Description
Original Artwork of Manjushri | Spiritual Masterpiece with Gold and Copper Leaf Accents
A talented artist, Sugat Shakya, created an artwork of Manjushri, a breathtaking spiritual masterpiece that blends ancient Newari and Chinese artistic styles. Inspired and fascinated by religious and mythological stories since childhood, Lalitpur-based artist, Sugat Shakya, has been honing his skills and deepening his knowledge in religious art for the past several years. From a young age, Sugat was involved in arts and crafts, working on religious objects such as sculptures and mandalas. His deepening knowledge and passion for religious art led him to graduate in 2023 from the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. This education significantly helped him master the intricate skills required in traditional art forms, especially in blending Newari and Chinese techniques into one cohesive, contemporary piece.
The artwork captures Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, depicted in a tranquil and meditative posture. This contemporary artwork offers a relaxed interpretation of the traditional form, presenting a modern approach to a deeply spiritual subject.
Manjushri is portrayed with a serene expression, seated in the vajra posture, holding the sword of wisdom in his right hand to sever ignorance, while the left hand holds the stem of an utpala flower with the Prajnaparamita book above. The detailed rendering of the deity’s body emphasizes peace and enlightenment, and the use of rice paper as the canvas enhances the delicate, timeless beauty of the artwork. The Chinese color pigments and ink used to bring the figure to life are complemented by gold leaf and copper leaf details, creating a stunning metallic texture effect that enhances the divine glow of the figure.
At the top right of the composition, Buddha Shakyamuni is depicted. At the bottom left, the five offerings representing the five senses can be seen: mirror (sight), shell (sound), scarf (touch), incense (smell), and fruit (taste). These offerings serve as a reminder of the practitioner’s veneration and the practice of overcoming greed in Buddhism. Including these symbolic elements is a powerful part of the daily Buddhist practice, helping practitioners focus on their spiritual path and the impermanence of material desires.
What sets this Painting apart is the artist’s use of atmospheric perspective, a rare technique in traditional painting, which adds visual depth and spatial harmony. The interplay of gold pigment and copper leaf heightens its ethereal beauty, transforming the artwork into both a visual treasure and a spiritual guide.
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Size: 18.5"/47 cm (width) x 25"/63 cm (height)
Materials: Rice Paper, 24K Gold, Copper, Acrylic Colors
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BROCADE MOUNT
We offer traditional brocade mounts upon your request. We will send available samples and pricing details for your final confirmation.
CONSECRATION OF THANGKA
As per your request for consecrations/blessings, we can take thangka to nearby monasteries/Rinpoches from Boudha Stupa. We kindly ask that you contribute $50 to the monasteries for these blessing/consecration services.
