A LARGE CHINESE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF MANJUSRI

QING DYNASTY

Cast seated in dhyanasana upon a lotus throne, with his hands before his chest in dharmachakra mudra (the Gesture of Teaching), he holds a long lotus stem in each of his hands, one flower supports a book, the other holds up a small jar, he wears elaborate body jewellery and a tall crown, his hair picked out in blue with cold painting, with three recumbent beasts at the foot of the throne, the base marked with a visvavajra, 35.3cm, 5kg.

Manjusri represents transcendent wisdom and it is believed that his purpose on Earth is to save people from ignorance. The lotus flower supporting a scripture in his left hand symbolises the knowledge of the Buddha.

Cf. Bonhams Hong Kong, 2nd June 2016, lot 9 for a Kangxi period gilt-lacquered bronze figure of Amitayus decorated in a similar style.