佛像鉴定鉴赏收藏

尺寸：78.1 x 67.6 cm
年代：15世纪
质地：青铜鎏金(Gilt bronze)
风格：尼泊尔 马拉
来源：克利夫兰艺术博物馆
参阅：外部链接
鉴赏：
Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)
1400s
Nepal, 15th century
Gilt bronze
古比特佛像网, 编号: 文殊菩萨001

Description
This image depicts one of the main bodhisattvas, beings only one stage away from full enlightenment. Because the historical Buddha was a prince prior to his renunciation and life as a wandering ascetic, bodhisattvas are depicted as royal princes. This example has the sharp features, sweet expression, and crisp details characteristic of images made in Nepal during the 1400s. In his upraised right hand Manjushri holds the hilt of a sword that, like wisdom itself, metaphorically cuts through and defeats ignorance. His lower, rear left hand grasps a bow, once probably strung with a wire. Also missing is the arrow that he likely held in his lowered right hand. Arrows were often symbols for mantras, or strings of syllables thought to have the power to focus the mind and work like missiles to destroy negativity and affliction. The gesture of his lowered left hand indicates the transmission of Buddhist teachings. The lotus stem that rises at the left elbows originally held a book of sutras. This figure is in the yogic posture of meditation with the big toe flexed in concentration. Yoga is of central importance in tantric Buddhism, because high-level practitioners are able to discipline the body to such an extent that the mind can also be controlled.