PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Europe

The Manjushri is cast standing on a lotus pedestal in an elegant posture, the right hand brandishing a sword, the left hand holding a lotus flower supporting a book, with an ushnisha on his head, wearing a dhoti tightened around the waist by a belt, the swordshaped skirt hanging down naturally. The carving of lines and dots on the legs may seem minimal but precisely show vividly the flimsy texture of the fabric. The fine worksmanship on this small elegant figure is evident from the casting of the petals around the base, the beading, and the sword-tip being integrally cast with the jewel surmounting the topknot to add stability. There is a high chance that this figure with a strong taste of Pala style might be made in Tibet by craftsmen from northeast India.