Saidaiji Temple: Manjusri Bodhisattva and Attendants

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

These statues were originally enshrined in Manjusri Hall, and are now housed in the main hall. Manjusri is mounted on a lion in the center and accompanied by four attendants. The two attendants on the right are the youthful Sudhana and the Indian monk, Buddhapala. The other two figures are the King of Khotan and the elder, Saisho Ronin. The main figure was sculpted by disciples of the monk Eizon in 1293, and the group was completed in 1302 according to the artifacts found hidden within the main statue as well as an inked inscription on the inside of the lion’s body. The figures are now recognized as Important Cultural Properties.
All five statues are crafted from assembled pieces of cypress wood with inlaid eyes and painted surfaces. Manjusri sits cross-legged on a five-layered lotus throne, backed by a mandorla carved with openwork cloud patterns. The throne is balanced on the back of a burly lion with a dense mane. An elaborate openwork crown is perched upon the figure’s head while a sword is held the right hand and a lotus is in the left hand.
Sudhana is turned towards the lion as he walks forward with palms joined in reverence, while Buddhapala stands behind him passively, dressed in monastic robes and holding a monk’s staff and a scripture scroll. The crowned King of Khotan wears armor and has a severe expression on his face. The king’s right hand is clenched as he reaches for the reins with the left to lead the way. Saisho Ronin follows the king, wearing an elder’s cap and carrying a staff.