Manjushri

Tang Dynasty
Beilin Museum, Xi'an

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is identified by an upright flaming sword in his right hand, which he uses to destroy ignorance and error. His left hand, broken off in this image, typically holds a flower that symbolizes enlightenment. Unusual features of this statue include an open right eye, a closed left eye, a prominent right breast, an absent left breast, and a lion mask at the base of his sword. Perhaps this figure represents wisdom (right side) and compassion (left side) united, a symbolism that ultimately goes back to the Harihara of India.