A Fine and Rare Indian Silver and Copper Inlaid Bronze Figure of Manjushri

Pala period, 11th or 12th century, Manjushri is seated in a royal ease position (lalitasana) atop a recumbent lion and raised on a beaded double-lotus pedestal, his serene face is finely modeled with almond-shaped eyes inlaid in silver, copper inlay accentuates the sacred thread and jeweled ornaments he is wearing together with additional silver highlights enriching the garment and facial features, Manjushri rests on his attentive stylized lion raised up on a double lotus base, the petals highlighted with silver and copper inlay, bordered with beaded rims, the sculpture was probably created as a portable devotional bronze for private worship.

4 x 3 x 1 1/2 in.

Purchased in 2022 from an old family estate in Charleston, South Carolina.

A similar sculpture of Manjushri atop a snow lion, resides at the Tibet Museum in Gruyeres, Switzerland. For similar sculptures sold at auction see Bonhams, Hong Kong, December 1, 2023, Lot 1853, Bonhams, New York, March 13, 2017, lot 3065, and most closely to the Maitreya sculpture sold at Christie's, New York, March 15, 2016, Lot 59.

Very good estate condition; light dust soiling to crevices and attractive rubbing to patina commensurate with age.