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A gold-toned metal sculpture of an open lotus flower revealing a central deity holding a sword. Smaller seated figures rest on the inner petals, resting on an ornate, inscribed pedestal base.

Lotus Maṇḍala with Arapacana Mañjuśrī

Currently unknown artist or artists

The lotus is an aquatic plant with delicate, sweet-smelling, pure white flowers that rise from roots in the muckiest swamps and marshes. This remarkable transformation can offer a powerful analogy for the path toward moral and spiritual purity. In Buddhism, the lotus represents the soul’s potential to rise above worldly attachments and attain enlightenment. It is a popular feature of Buddhist art, where it often serves as a throne for revered figures. A rare and intricate Lotus Maṇḍala brings this symbolism to life. Here, a lotus opens to reveal many Buddhist figures. A metalworker ingeniously designed the petals with hinges that allow them to be opened—possibly during a ceremony—and then closed into a tight bud. Such dynamic pieces, called “lotus maṇḍalas” or “cosmic lotuses,” represent the Buddhist cosmos. At the heart of this sculpture sit many Buddhist figures, chief among them Arapacana Mañjuśrī, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. He holds a sword to cut through ignorance and a manuscript representing the Buddha’s knowledge. Certain branches of Buddhism recognize multiple buddhas and numerous bodhisattvas: beings who assist others on the path to spiritual liberation. Arapacana Mañjuśrī is particularly popular in Nepal.
Artist/Maker
Currently unknown artist or artists
(Nepalese)
Title
Lotus Maṇḍala with Arapacana Mañjuśrī
Date
around the 13th or 14th century
Material & Process
Gilt copper alloy
Dimensions
open: 5 3/4 x 6 x 5 1/2 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Earnest C. Watson
Inventory No.
65.5.5
Classification
Sculpture
Location
Nepal

Related

ca. 1960-62, likely purchased in India* by Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Charles Watson (Santa Barbara, CA); 1965, gifted to the University of Wisconsin – Madison; 1967, transferred to the Elvehjem Art Center [now called Chazen Museum of Art].   *General donor file contains correspondence from Mrs. Watson stating that she and Mr. Watson’s collection of Indian art and artifacts was begun and amassed while living in New Delhi between 1960 and 1962; however, specific acquisition information is not documented.

  • Vajracharya, Gautama. "Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual." New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. cat. no. 19

  • Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual: The Rubin Museum of Art, 5/6/2016–3/27/2017

This gold-colored sculpture is a blooming lotus flower resting on a tiered pedestal base. The flower has eight large, pointed petals that open to reveal an interior scene. In the center, a figure sits cross-legged on a raised, circular platform. This figure wears a headdress and jewelry, holding a curved sword raised above their head in their right hand. Surrounding the central figure, the concave inner surface of each open petal features a smaller seated figure. The surrounding figures are uniform in size and pose, each wearing a robe and jewelry. The exterior of the petals is smooth with a central ridge, and small circular loops project from the outer edges of one petal on the left and right sides The flower is supported by a stem adorned with intricate, raised scrollwork and floral designs. The sculpture has a round, stepped base. A line of inscribed characters runs along the bottom rim of the stand.

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Information about artworks presented here may not reflect the most current research. Chazen staff update records as new details emerge; please verify independently for scholarly use and notify us of any errors.