Qinglian Lower Temple Main Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shanxi, Jincheng; Song dynasty

Manjusri is seated to the right of Sakyamuni Buddha in the relaxation posture, with one leg hanging pendent over the Sumeru throne. Thinly plaited hair is built into a high topknot while an urna is located in the center of the forehead, visibly missing its gem. Other signs of spiritual status are the extended ear lobes and the three lines on the neck. A double stranded necklace with three pendants adorns the chest. The figure wears a low inner robe, covered by a more splendid robe with floral rosettes and a wide embroidered hem. The Bodhisattva’s serene eyes are cast down, while the figure’s hands gesture eloquently.