Manjushri Bodhisattva Filigree Statue

Manjushri Statue with inset elements carved from lapislazuli, combined with fire gilding, worked in filigree and set with colored stones. According to the founding myth of the Kathmandu Valley, Manjushri made the valley habitable by draining the lake that once filled it.

The statue depicts Manjushri seated in padma asana. His right arm is raised, holding the flaming sword of wisdom, khadga, which cuts through the veil of ignorance. Over his left shoulder, the Prajnaparamita, the book of wisdom, rests upon a lotus blossom. His left hand is held before the chest in vitarka mudra, the gesture of teaching and discussion. He wears the crown and full ornaments of a bodhisattva.

Face and body are carved from lapis lazuli and set into the metal figure. The robe and lotus pedestal are worked in filigree. Thin wire is bent into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and joined in an ornamental pattern. Coral, lapislazuli and turquoise are set within the filigree as floral accents. The statue is worked all around and suitable for freestanding presentation.

The statue follows the image traditions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which ritual identity, gesture, and ornament are brought together into a balanced unity.

Manjushri

Statue made of copper, traditional lost-wax cast, the face, abdomen, forearms, and feet are carved from lapis lazuli and fitted into the metal body, adorned with silver- and gold-plated filigree, set turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli. The figure is fire-gilded. The statue is patinated. Handmade in Nepal.

• Height: 8.4" / 21.5 cm
• Width: 7.4" / 19 cm
• Depth: 4.1" / 10.5 cm
• Weight: 1,652 g