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Monju Bosatsu

1185-1333
Artist/maker unknown, Japanese
Along with Kannon, Monju is one of the most important bodhisattvas in the Buddhist pantheon. This wash and ink drawing was originally part of a larger set of iconographic works on paper that provided artists with models to follow. The emblem pictured, and also held by Monju in his left hand, is a jewel on a lotus, while his right hand forms the mudra (hand gesture) of “fulfilling the vow” (to save all beings). During the Meiji period (1868–1912) it became fashionable to use Buddhist images or calligraphy for the scroll displayed in the tea alcove.

Object Details

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