Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom, in an Awesome Aspect
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley), Thakuri period, 10th century
Gilt-copper alloy with color and gold paint
H. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm); H. incl. base 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm); W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Wt. 12 lbs (5.4 kg)

Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick, Dodge and Fletcher Funds, and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1982
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1982.220.13

Manjushri is rarely represented in his wrathful form. Here, his aggressive stance and his fearsome face—flared eyes, knotted eyebrows, and exposed teeth—speak to his angry nature. In addition to the sword, the triple-knot hairstyle and the tiger-claw necklace securely identify him as Manjushri, the embodiment of transcendent wisdom in esoteric Buddhism. This is one of the earliest known representations of his wrathful emanation, seen again adorning the crown in the center of the gallery.

Exhibition History
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Art of the Himalayas," December 15, 2010–December 4, 2011.

New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal," December 16, 2017–December 16, 2018.