Fire-gilded bronze. China, Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912)
Attractively large and meticulously worked depiction of the transcendent bodhisattva, a guardian patron of wisdom whose name can be translated to „wondrous auspiciousness“. Unfortunately the khadga sword is missing here and was previously held in the raised hand (two fingers signal the demon defence) and used to cut down ignorance. It is also his typical attribute. The Wenshu Pusa (Manjushri bodhisattva) is seated in padmasana on an elaborately detailed throne, wearing plenty of jewellery, a heavenly garland, a multi-jagged crown on his head and also a pointed chignon. Vibrant facial features, likewise the vividly modelled fingers. Sporadic patina; the bronze has presumably been cleaned. A clasp with Yinyang symbol on the bottom within a floral vishvavajra. HEIGHT 33,7 CM
From the Swiss collection of Jürgen L. Fischer, Ascona