A FINE AND RARE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF MANJUSHRI YONGLE MARK AND PERIOD

cast seated in vajraparyankasana on a double-lotus pedestal base, the gracefully swaying figure wearing a clinging dhoti and elaborate jewelled waist band and necklace with scarf draped around the shoulders and arms, holding the sword in his right hand and the stem of a lily in his left, the prajinaparamitasutra resting on the flower head at his left shoulder, the face with down-cast eyes and benevolent expression, a small Amitabha Buddha positioned between the five-tiered crown enclosing the high chignon, inscribed 'Da Ming Yongle Nian Zhi'

This rare figure is in very good overall condition with the exception of light rubbing and pitting to the gilding at the extremities around the legs, arms and face and to the blade of the sword, minor scratches and nicks to the gilding and possible repair to the central tier of the crown. The base has been opened.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This figure of Manjushri, the 'Beautiful and Virtuous Lord', is representative of a group of Buddhist figures made in China during the reign of the Yongle emperor. It displays a style influenced by the art of Tibet, and was probably made as a gift from the Ming emperor who sought to maintain good relations with the Tibetan religious hierarchy. In the preceding Yuan dynasty, the authority of Mongol rulers had become closely associated with Tibetan Buddhist and Lamaist rituals. The tradition of Lamaist art continued into the Ming period and prevailed in works such as the present figure.

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 the Buddha. Manjushri resides in the Five Peak Mountain, Wutaishan, and is on earth to save people from ignorance. It is believed that Manjushri was instructed by Shakyamuni to transmit his teachings and his residence, Wutaishan, became one of the major centres of pilgrimage for his followers.

As seen from this figure, Manjushri wears a crown, robes and princely jewels and is portrayed holding a sword in his right hand to cut through ignorance and a lotus in his left hand that represents the knowledge of the Buddha. His facial expression is of utmost spiritualization and strength, with the sword held high conveying the message of the need to overcome darkness and ignorance. The slender body, elegantly swirling veils and the beautiful face reveal his transcendental nature and represent the spiritual path.  

A closely related figure of Manjushri is illustrated in Helmut Uhlig, On the Path of Enlightenment, Zurich, 1995, pl. 66, from the collection of the Berti Aschmann Foundation of Tibetan Art at the Museum of Rietberg, Zurich. See also a Yongle gilt-brass figure of Manjushri, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Buddhist Statues of Tibet, Hong Kong, 2003, pl. 215; and another figure, lacking the sword, published in H.F.E. Visser, Asiatic Art in Private Collections of Holland and Belgium, Amsterdam, 1947, pl. 144, no. 263.