Kofukuji Temple East Golden Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

The statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva is to the right of the Medicine Buddha in the East Golden Hall. His sturdy appearance contrasts with the elderly and gaunt Vimalakirti on the left. Their placement is in reference to the story of Manjusri’s visit to the sick Vimalakirti, during which the latter demonstrated his superior knowledge in debate. Created in the last half of the 12th century, this figure was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
The statue was painted black and then gilded, while the long eyes are inlaid with jade. A small crown topped with a scripture case is balanced on his neatly arranged hair and he wears a painted monastic robe draped over armor. The figure sits in half lotus position on a seven-layered lotus throne supported by a lion, his hands gesticulating. An elaborately embellished floral aureole and mandorla back the work.