A FINE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF MANJUSHRI YONGLE SIX CHARACTER ...

Hammer

£170,000

A FINE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF MANJUSHRI
YONGLE SIX CHARACTER MARK AND PROBABLY OF THE PERIOD 
明 铜鎏金文殊造像 '大明永乐年制'刻款
seated cross-legged in vajraparyankasana on a double-lotus base, holding a sword in the right hand, the left in vitarka mudra flanked by a lily spray supporting the prajnaparamitasutra resting against the left shoulder, the face with a serene expression and crowned with a foliate tiara around the high chignon, adorned with wheel-shaped earrings, the gracefully swaying body enriched with beaded necklaces and jewellery
15.5cm high 

PROVENANCE: Property of a Gentleman 

NOTE: The bodhisattva Manjushri, known as the 'Beautiful and Virtuous Lord', is a central figure in Buddhist iconography, embodying the wisdom of Buddha. The figure represent a significant collection of Buddhist art created during the Yongle Emperor's reign in the early 15th century. These pieces are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and the combination of Chinese imperial and Tibetan artistic styles. The Yongle period is celebrated for its exceptional bronze works, often marked with 'Da Ming Yongle nian zhi' to denote their origin and authenticity. These artifacts, primarily housed in the Potala Palace,and have survived in Tibet due to imperial patronage lavished on Tibetan hierarchs and monasteries during the reign of the Yongle Emperor The specific characteristics you mention, such as the slim elongated lotus petals, are distinctive markers of the smaller statues from this collection, which are noted for their delicate and refined details.

The artists working in the imperial workshops during the Yongle period remain anonymous, but their sculptures have now become recognised as being among the most important works of art from the Buddhist world. Some fifty-four gilt bronzes bearing the inscription Da Ming Yongle nian shi (bestowed in the Yongle era of the great Ming) have been documented in Tibetan monastery collections, see Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, vol. II, pp. 1237-1291. These works have survived in Tibet largely due to imperial patronage lavished on Tibetan hierarchs and monasteries during the reign of Zhu Di, who pursued a bountiful relationship with Tibetan religious leaders during his reign as Yongle Emperor. 

Manjushri is the bodhisattva associated with the wisdom of Buddha and is commonly paired with Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The two bodhisattvas are important acolytes of Shakyamuni and are believed to have been historical figures, possibly disciples of the Buddha. Manjushri resides in the Five Peak Mountain, Wutaishan, and is on earth to save people from ignorance. It is believed that Manjushri was instructed by Shakyamuni to transmit his teachings and his residence, Wutaishan, became one of the major centers of pilgrimage for his followers.

Related examples:
For a similar gilt-bronze figure see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from the Rogers Fund, 2001, accession number: 2001.59.
Another very similar Manjushri gilt-bronze figure with four arms see: The British Museum, Asia. London No.1953,0713.4, donated by Walter Leo Hildburgh and exhibited:2014 Sep-2015 Jan, 'Ming: 50 years that changed China'
See also; Sotheby's, New York, Indian and South East Asian including 20th Century, 20th of Sep. 2000, lot 57.
A related figure of Manjushri of similar size and seated on a base with elongated lotus petals, but lacking the attributes, was sold in Sotheby’s London, 5th November 2014, lot 41.
Compare a larger figure of related form and attributes, but rendered with broader lotus petals on the base, included in the exhibition Lamaistic Art, Société Generale de Banque, Brussels, cat. no. 19, sold at Christie’s London, 16th April 1985, lot 300;
and another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 26th November 2014, lot 3106.
A related figure, but cast without the gentle sway in the back, from the J.P.H.Y. collection, is illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, pl. 144F. Figures of this type were also created in the succeeding Xuande reign;

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS LOT:
BIDDING WILL BE BY TELEPHONE AND IN THE AUCTION ROOM ONLY, THERE WILL BE NO ONLINE BIDDING. A DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR BIDDING.  PLEASE CONTACT enquiries@doreandrees.com FOR MORE INFORMATION

More Information

Of good overall condition and appearance. There are some light rubbing, surface scratches and one or two minor dings as is to be expected with age and handling.