TIBET, 16TH CENTURY

Manjushri, as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is considered to be a completely enlightened Buddha with a number of appearances and manifestations in the tantric literatures. Displaying a fine attention to detail in the treatment of the robes and jewelry, the present gilt-bronze plaque of Manjushri is a rare example for its superb high-relief techniques and unique representation, among the considerable variety in the depiction of the deity. The richly gilded and finely cast figure stands on a lotus pedestal in elegant tribhanga with his right hand in varada mudra, wearing a short dhoti incised with cloud and floral motifs, secured at the waist by ornate flowing sashes that drape over his lower body. His torso and arms are strong and muscular with heavily embellished armlets and elaborate necklaces, while his face, with a benign expression, gazes downward with an aquiline nose and downcast eyes, surmounted by a foliate tiara. Manjushri are flanked by two lotus stalks, finely cast and rising to bulbous flower heads, forming an elongated openwork with swirling stems. The finely cast elephant base with exquisite detailing and the gilt mandorla surmounting Manjushri at the back are unique features that confirm the expressive vitality of the current bronze figure.