Chinese, Ming dynasty, Yongle mark and period
(1402–1424)
Wenshu Bodhisattva (Manjusri)
1402
-
1424
Gilded copper alloy with traces of red lacquer
10¼ x 6½ x 4 in
26.04 x 16.51 x 10.16 cm
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
73.77.1
An imitation of the Tibetan prototype, this statue shows Wenshu, an enlightened being and a disciple of the historical Buddha, sitting on a lotus pedestal. One hand is raised holding a jewel, while the other holds a lotus spray, surmounted by a sutra. He wears a crown with five panels, a symbol of the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Five Wisdoms. The base is incised with a six-character inscription that translates to “Respectfully made in the
Yongle year of the Great Ming.”
Emperor Yongle maintained close relationships with Tibetan Buddhist monastic rulers. He ordered the construction of Lama temples in Beijing and other parts of the country and the production of new Buddhist images similar to this statue, which was either an altarpiece or a gift to Lamas and diplomats.