An Unusual and Rare Figure of Manjushri

TIBET, CIRCA 1300

Details

An Unusual and Rare Figure of Manjushri
Tibet, circa 1300
Finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base with beaded rim, his hands held in the gesture of teaching holding the stems of lotus flowers flanking his shoulders and supporting his attributes of the sword and book, wearing a tightly fitted dhoti finely incised with floral sprays on a stippled ground and a scarf draped across his shoulders and flaring down at the sides, richly adorned with foliate armlets, bracelets and corresponding tiara, and large disk earrings in the pendulous lobes, his face with a humorous expression with silver inlaid eyes and urna, copper inlaid lips and cheeks, remains of red lacquer to the base and to the reverse of sashes, and sealed base
10.5/8 in. (27 cm.) high

Lot Essay

While following Pala prototypes, the figure displays some unique features, such as the incised zig-zag pattern frieze encircling the base beneath the molded lotus, the folds of the scarf at the shoulder revealing an incised diamond pattern on the underside, and the copper inlaid cheeks. In turn, it may be regarded as a prototype for later Pala style revival pieces from the 15th century onward, the floral patterns of the dhoti particularly inspiring later Tibeto-Chinese examples.

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