Beitai Peak: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Qing dynasty

This colorful clay statue of Manjusri was created during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The Bodhisattva wears a crown with a Buddha at the center and the hands form elegant mudras in front of the chest. Warriors can be seen supporting the Sumeru base, while the throne has been partitioned off by balustrades in a unique way. The mandorla surrounding the Bodhisattva is filled with a variety of images, such as garudas, apsaras, and various patterned motifs, while the edges are lined with metallic flames. The artist’s use of color is effective; the gold of the central figure and the inner and outer mandorla contrasting well with the red, dark blue, and turquoise colors found on the rest of the mandorla and the balustrades.