The bodhisattva Manjushri, anonymous, c. 800 - c. 900

The bodhisattva Manjushri, anonymous, c. 800 - c. 900

volcanic stone (andesite), h c.138cm × w c.90cm × d c.60cm × w 663kg More details

Manjushri was venerated in China as one of the first advocates of Buddhism. On Java, he was represented as a young man with bejewelled straps across his chest. This figure’s missing hands may once have made the gesture of turning the wheel of doctrine (dharmacakra mudra): this symbolizes the beginning of the cycle of Buddhist doctrine and enlightenment.

On display in Asian pavilion, room 1 Visit via the The best of the Rijksmuseum tour Visit via the Highlights Asian Pavilion tour

Listen to audio fragment (from the multimedia tour)

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