Asian and Islamic Ceramics and Works of Art

A Sino-Tibetan brown patinated bronze figure of an eight-armed Manjushri, 18th century, finely modelled seated in dhyanasana, wearing a five-leafed diadem, ornate beaded jewellery and celestial scarf, the arms naturalistically radiating from the shoulders holding attributes, including a sword and treasure vase, on a lotus throne base, cast character mark to underside, height 16.2cm (missing attributes to two hands). Note: Manjushri is the bodhisattva associated with the Wisdom of Buddha and is commonly paired with Samantabhadra, the bodhisattva of Compassion. The two bodhisattvas are important acolytes of Shakyamuni and are believed to have been historical figures, possibly disciples of Buddha. For a similarly modelled six-armed figure of Manjushri, see Sotheby's 'Important Chinese Art', New York, 17th March 2021, Lot 170, from the estate of Allen O. Battle, Ph.D.