Lot 506
A Chinese Bronze Figure of Manjushri Atop a Lion, probably Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the 'Bodhisattva of Wisdom' modeled seated in a position of 'royal ease', lalitasana, on a raised lotus dais atop the back of a lion, his left foot resting on a lotus pod, his left hand raised in abhaya mudra while his right hand is suspended above his lap in varada mudra, bearing a serene down-turned expression and wearing a foliate crown surmounted by a seated Buddha, a dhoti tied around his waist, flowing scarves, and multiple strings of beads, his shoulders flanked by upright leafy lotus pods; the draped lion lying on a tiered rectangular pillow-form plinth hung with beads and lappets, bearing a ferocious countenance, open mouth, and an upright "flaming" tail, trace pigment and gilt throughout, height 18 3/8 in.
- Provenance: Provenance : New York Collection. Note: Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, the advocate of knowledge as the path to enlightenment. He is often portrayed seated upon a ferocious lion, whose roar is said to represent the voice of Buddhist Law; together, Manjushri and the lion symbolize the powerful ability of wisdom to tame the mind. In the current lot, Manjushri's left hand is raised in abhaya mudra a peace gesture believed to dispel fear in the beholder, while the right hand loosely forms the varada mudra, a gesture symbolic of compassion and sincerity. With a downcast gaze and serene, contemplative countenance, this Manjushri conveys a profound sense of compassion, while the recumbent lion exudes a savage strength, which has been tamed by the Bodhisattva's fearless wisdom.
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