Mahasiddha Kirava

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fierce and militant forms of Manjushri, the patron deity of Nepal, are relatively rare. Here, he raises a sword behind his head and holds a small shield in his left hand to symbolize his combat with the forces of ignorance. His dhoti (loincloth) is secured by a sash around his waist, and he wears the usual jewelry of the period. A tree, with finely detailed leaves, and a rocky hill complete the scene. This superbly modeled and lively Manjushri exemplifies what must have been an important type of sculpture. Very few early Nepalese terracottas of the type have survived. Probably this one was part of a series of terracotta sculptures.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art