Bodhisattva Manjushri in the form of Sita Manjughosa
![1979.082-view-a.jpg](https://asiasociety.qi-cms.com/media/h640/imported/1979.082-view-a.jpg)
Photography by Synthescape, Digital image © Asia Society
![1979.082-view-b.jpg](https://asiasociety.qi-cms.com/media/h640/imported/1979.082-view-b.jpg)
Photography by Synthescape, Digital image © Asia Society
Bodhisattva Manjushri in the form of Sita Manjughosa
Late 8th century
Thailand
Copper alloy
H. 12 1/4 x W. 6 1/8 in. (31.1 x 15.6 cm)
Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.82
Provenance
John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from Isidor Kahane, Dobbs Ferry, New York, May 1968.
The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.
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The lotus held in the left hand of this image of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, has a book and sword resting atop it. These are Manjushri's traditional attributes, the objects that symbolize his character: the book represents Manjushri's role as the embodiment of transcendent wisdom while the sword is the weapon with which he cuts through ignorance. His right hand, which performs the gift-giving gesture (varada mudra), identifies this form of Manjushri as Sita Manjughosa ("White Gift-bestowing"). His conical hairstyle is adorned with both a crown and with five small images of seated Buddhas, which represent the Buddhas of the five directions. The four lions supporting the pedestal, although a standard element in Buddhist thrones, also represent the vehicle (vahana) associated with Manjushri. The pendant half-moon-shaped form on the front of the pedestal represents draped cloth.