Description:

Central Asia, Nepal, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. A gilded bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, seated on a lotus flower atop a three-tiered throne. His right hand is in a Karana Mudra gesture, holding the Flaming Sword of Wisdom to expel demons. His left hand is in the teaching gesture (Jnan Mudra). People believe that worship of Manjushri can confer upon them wisdom, memory, and intelligence. On the center tier are three Buddhist shishi (lion) guardians wearing saddles, ready to carry the bodhisattva to safety. The shishi on front has his mouth closed and the two on the sides of platform have their mouths open. The open mouths are pronouncing the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet "a" while the closed one is uttering the last letter, pronounced "um," to represent the beginning and the end of all things. Together they form the sound Aum, a syllable sacred in Buddhism. Size: 5.25" L x 6.75" W x 12.5" H (13.3 cm x 17.1 cm x 31.8 cm)

Four warriors dressed in armor, two on the front of the base flanking the shishi and one each at the back and sides of the base, are ready to defend the Buddha. There is a dedication done in Chinese script inscribed (not cast) on the back of the throne.

Provenance: private Randolph, New Jersey, USA collection

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#129066

  • Condition: Dark patina, in some places pale green, on the figure's ungilded surfaces. Intact, with light signs of wear from age and handling.

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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