Artwork
Monju Riding Lion with Attendants
Monju Riding Lion with Attendants is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting Monju Riding Lion with Attendants, created in 1725 by an unknown Japanese artist, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting Monju Riding Lion with Attendants was created in Japan in 1725. The work is attributed to an unknown artist. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1986.1.
The painting depicts the bodhisattva Monju riding a lion accompanied by attendants, set against a background featuring flowers and trees. No further details regarding the specific commission, original patron, or the chain of ownership prior to its acquisition by the Cleveland Museum of Art are provided in the available records.
The painting Monju Riding Lion with Attendants, created in 1725 by an unknown Japanese artist, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The institution assigns the work the accession number 1986.1. While the provided records confirm the artwork's location and inventory identification, they do not contain specific details regarding its exhibition history or prior provenance events.
Overview
This painting, titled Monju Riding Lion with Attendants, presents a central, enthroned figure amidst swirling clouds. The composition includes a powerful lion and several smaller attendant figures, all rendered with rich detail. Characterized by deep, vibrant colors and precise outlines, the work offers a visual representation of a significant Buddhist theme, combining symbolic elements with a decorative aesthetic.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, likely Monju (Manjushri), a bodhisattva associated with wisdom, is depicted wearing a crown and holding a lotus flower, a recurring symbol in Buddhist iconography. The accompanying lion, portrayed with both serenity and strength, often functions as a guardian or a mount for Monju, symbolizing the taming of the mind or the power of enlightened thought. Attendant figures further populate the spiritual landscape.
Technique & Style
The artwork employs a distinct visual style characterized by a palette of deep greens, reds, and golds, which imbue the scene with richness. Figures are delineated with sharp outlines, contributing to a sense of clarity and definition. The background often features flat, patterned elements, while the robes of the figures are rendered with flowing lines, creating a dynamic yet contained aesthetic typical of devotional paintings of this period.
Artist & collection
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Ksitigarbha as Supreme Lord of the Underworld- Monju Riding Lion with Attendants
