An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Bodhisattva Mañjuśrīearly 15th century
Artist: Kichizan Minchō
Japanese, 1352 - 1431
figure in 3/4 profile with crown, and hair tied up with many wisps coming loose, looking toward R; figure holds a book out in PR hand, close to chest; light halo around head
32 9/16 × 14 in. (82.71 × 35.56 cm) (image)
Hanging scroll; ink and gold on paper
hanging scroll
Japan
15th century
Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation
In the serene shadows of the Tōfuku-ji Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a unique spirit thrived—a monk-painter named Kitsusan Minchō. In this sacred space, where every brushstroke carried the weight of contemplation, Minchō faced a pivotal moment in his life. Despite the allure of a promotion that would elevate him to the status of temple warden, he chose instead the path of dedication to his art. The call of his soul was clear: his purpose lay in painting, not in titles.
One particularly tranquil afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the temple's wooden lattice, Minchō unveiled a scroll that beckoned with profound importance. At the center of this artwork, the serene figure of the bodhisattva Monju Bosatsu emerged, radiating a quiet wisdom that transcended time. This heavenly being, known as Mañjuśrī in Sanskrit, held forth with gentle grace a sacred book—the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, known in Japanese as Hannya-kyo. It was a testament to enlightenment, a gift offered to those seeking truth.
The scroll came alive beneath the golden accents that adorned Monju's crown and earrings. As the flickering candlelight danced across the delicate gold, it illuminated the figure's calm presence, making the bodhisattva shimmer as though touched by divine light. This precious detail, so subtle yet impactful, called forth an ambiance of tranquility, enveloping the viewer in a cocoon of reflection.
As Minchō painted, he channeled the teachings of Monju—an enlightened being who chose to dwell among mortals, guiding them toward their own awakenings. Each stroke bore the weight of his commitment, a commitment not just to art, but to the very essence of compassion. In that moment, the temple walls, sturdy and silent, became witnesses to a timeless journey, echoing with the whispers of those who yearned to learn, to grow, and ultimately, to find their own light.
About the artist
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