Wutaishan Foguang Temple East Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Tang dynasty

The statue is located in the third bay on the northern side of the hall. Manjusri wears a crown decorated with a Buddha and holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman) with both hands. The figure is seated in the relaxation posture upon the back of a brightly painted lion with a ring in its nose. The creature’s mouth is agape, as if roaring, and it steps on four lotuses. The Bodhisattva’s clothing is decorated with cloud-like designs, while the turned back sleeves are shaped like flames.
A dark skinned, bearded keeper stands next to the lion and is dwarfed by its size. On the other side is a child with palms joined in reverence who is conventionally identified as Sudhana.