ABS 322
Code: ABS 322
Country: Nepal
Style:
Date: 1386
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 18
Materials: Copper
Mañjushri footprints on a lotus mandala
This ritual object represents the feet of wisdom bodhisattva Mañjushri placed on a mandala in the shape of a triple circular lotus pedestal. The feet are represented with a pair of eyes. A Nepali inscription runs on the reverse of the object dating the object from 1386. Similar representations, made of stone or metal, can be found in several Buddhist monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley.
This iconography refers to the practice of worshipping the footprints of holy individuals. In the early centuries of Buddhism, during the so called “aniconic period,” the Buddha was not represented as a person. Under the rule of Indian emperor Ashoka (272-231 B.C.E.) a symbolic form of representation of Buddhist concepts began, initially with the erection of pillars in the Indo-Persian style, and with the representation of the teachings in the form of an eight-spoke wheel. At the end of the 3rd century B.C.E., representations of the footprints of Buddha appeared. Later, this practice of worshipping handprints and footprints spread to Tibet. Some example can be seen in the collection (ABP 053 and 019).
This ritual object represents the feet of wisdom bodhisattva Mañjushri placed on a mandala in the shape of a triple circular lotus pedestal. The feet are represented with a pair of eyes. A Nepali inscription runs on the reverse of the object dating the object from 1386. Similar representations, made of stone or metal, can be found in several Buddhist monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley.
This iconography refers to the practice of worshipping the footprints of holy individuals. In the early centuries of Buddhism, during the so called “aniconic period,” the Buddha was not represented as a person. Under the rule of Indian emperor Ashoka (272-231 B.C.E.) a symbolic form of representation of Buddhist concepts began, initially with the erection of pillars in the Indo-Persian style, and with the representation of the teachings in the form of an eight-spoke wheel. At the end of the 3rd century B.C.E., representations of the footprints of Buddha appeared. Later, this practice of worshipping handprints and footprints spread to Tibet. Some example can be seen in the collection (ABP 053 and 019).