Manjusri Gilt copper inset with semi-precious stones Nepal

The finely cast and gilded figure of the Lord of Wisdom with his principal attribute the khadja held up and behind the head in the right hand, and the pustaka resting on a flower at his left shoulder, wearing elaborate and jewel-encrusted bodhisattva ornaments, a dhoti with finely engraved floral patterns and seated in vajraparyankasana with the folds of his sash falling in an elegant fan before him.

Swiss Collection, 1980's
Thence by descent

Good condition with some wear to the gilding especially around the knees and raised areas. Some accretion, most likely from butter lamp smoke and incense. A few pieces of semi-precious stone inlay replaced. The sword bent and slightly twisted downwards and the tip of the blade broken. Two of the vajra prongs on the top of the crown are bent inwards. Black paint on the hair rubbed on raised areas, red paint to the back of the diadem, rubbed slightly. The lower part of the lotus stem, separately cast, is missing, the small securing loop is present. The robe end at the feet bent upwards. A small, intact consecration plate engraved with a visvavajra on the bottom. A separately made lotus throne now missing. No restoration.
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.

Compare similar engraved patterns on the borders of the robe of a thirteenth/fourteenth century Nepalese Buddha in the Ngor monastery collection, see Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, p. 523, cat. no. 170C, and compare and contrast a Newar fourteenth century gilt copper Manjushri, probably made for the Tibetan market, see Helmut Uhlig, On the Path to Enlightenment: The Berti Aschmann Foundation of Tibetan Art at the Museum Rietberg Zurich, p. 113, cat. no. 64.