A Rare Gilt Bronze Figure of Manjushri
A Rare Gilt Bronze Figure of Manjushri

NEPAL, 13TH/14TH CENTURY

Details
A Rare Gilt Bronze Figure of Manjushri
Nepal, 13th/14th Century
Exquisitely modeled seated on a slightly flared beaded double lotus base in the posture of 'Royal Ease', his pendent right leg supported by a separate lotus cushion and with hands held in the gesture of elucidation, his left arm flanked by a lotus flower supporting his attribute, the book of wisdom, wearing a belt tied with sashes spilling down to the base with undulating folds, a necklace with pendent jewels and foliate armlets, inset with rubies and hardstones, his face in a benign expression with downcast eyes beneath gently arched brows, aquiline nose and pursed lips in a gentle smile flanked by earrings, with a trefoil tiara and conical headdress with curled tresses of hair spilling down over the shoulders, the face with remains of cold gilding and polychrome, base sealed
5½ in. (14 cm.) high
Provenance
Pan-Asian Collection

Lot Essay

The modeling of the body and limbs is of exceptional fluidity and sensitivity, representing a masterpiece of Malla period sculpture infused by Pala style. Compare a gilt copper figure of Maitreya from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection, now at the Metropolitan Museum, where the influence of late Pala style is similarly evident in the languid fluidity and curvilinear treatment of the sashes, see M. Lerner and S. Kossak, The Lotus Transcendent, 1991, cat. 117.

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