MING DYNASTY, DATED BY THE INSCRIPTION TO THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CHENGHUA PERIOD, CORRESPONDING TO 1465

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A RARE DATED BRONZE FIGURE OF MANJUSHRI SEATED ON A LION
MING DYNASTY, DATED BY THE INSCRIPTION TO THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CHENGHUA PERIOD, CORRESPONDING TO 1465
The bodhisattva is shown seated in rajalilasana, his pendent foot resting on a lotus blossom, atop the back of a lion with ferocious expression and mouth agape. He is dressed in flowing robes incised with a floral pattern and adorned with various sashes and jewelry. The tresses of hair are arranged in an elaborate chignon which supports a half-vajra.
12 in. (30.5 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The inscription on the back of the lion indicates that the present figure was made by monk Yongmin in the first year of the Chenghua period (1465). Manjushri (Wenshu), the bodhisattva of wisdom, is usually shown seated on a lion and is often shown in a triad with the Buddha Shakyamuni and the bodhisattva Samantabhadra (Puxian) who is shown seated on an elephant. The Avatamsaka sutra, which was introduced into China in the 5th century AD, described the bodhimanda of Manjushri as "cold, clear, mountain" in the Northeast. This led Chinese scholars to associate Manjushri with Wutaishan in Northeast China, and explains the peak's alternate name, Qingliang Shan (Clear Cold Mountain).

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