Manjusri Bodhisattva and the Eight Seed Syllables

JAPAN; Kamakura period

This painting departs from typical portrayals of Manjusri Bodhisattva sitting on the back of a lion. It was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1940.
In this painting, Manjusri sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne atop a hexagonal Sumeru base, grasping a sword in the right hand and holding a long-stemmed lotus topped with a sutra in the left. The Bodhisattva has bright white skin and a serious expression. Ornaments and jewelry adorn the body. Within the nimbus, there are five small discs inscribed with the Sanskrit syllables of the mantra of Manjusri. Ten discs inscribed with the seed syllables of the Buddhas of the Womb and Diamond realms are contained within the mandorla.
Manjusri has eight topknots, symbolizing the Sanskrit Eight-Syllable Mantra that eliminates misfortune. Eight child attendants surround the Bodhisattva. The attendants stand upon lotus pedestals, have faint nimbuses, and hold objects including a lotus, a trident, a wheel, a plate of offerings, arrows, and a sword. In the upper corners of the painting, there are moon and sun discs containing images of Buddhalocani and the One-Syllable Golden Wheel. This intricate, symbolic artwork is painted with fine brushstrokes and bright colors.