Manjusri Copper alloy with silver inlay Eastern India

Manjushri seated in sattvaparyankasana on a lotus pedestal supported by a tall lion throne, holding a text in the left hand with the right elegantly resting on the knee, eyes and urna inlaid in silver, a flower stem rising from the lotus pedestal up to the left shoulder and supporting three buds in the form of the three jewels, wearing heavy bodhisattva jewelry including asymmetric earrings, a ratnopavita strung across his left shoulder and over the chest, a separately cast prabhamandala behind showing rampant viyala standing on elephant heads and makara above, the pedestal inscribed on the reverse.

In fair condition overall, the surface slightly worn and pitted, the crevices containing accretion and traces of soil and pigments and the patina is rubbed on some of the high points.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This rare early Pala period bronze features an unusual pair of viyala on the prabhamandala that turn their heads to look back rather than to the front as is usual. The figures riding the backs of the viyala are uncommon in Pala period sculpture, but similar mounted viyala are seen on an eighth or ninth century eastern Indian Vairochana shrine in Khojarnath, see Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, p. 217, fig. III-3.