This
four-armed Manjusri holds the sword and arrow in his right, and in the left, the
Prajnyaparamita Sutra (with the upper left hand originally holding a bow, it is
now missing). These attributes are Buddhist symbols of meditation and wisdom that
cleanse the evil of egotism.
Judging
from the proportion, gesture and attributes of this gorgeous bronze, this sculpture
of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom is an excellent example of Buddhist art that was
produced in accordance with centuries of Buddhist traditions. Stylistically, although
there are hints that show strong Tibetan influence; but rather than the slim,
elongated Tibetan Buddha, the bodhisattva's bold face and vigorous body, his extended
eyebrows and slanted eyes are distinctively Chinese origin. Further more, the
unusual style of the crown, the curvi-linear drapery folds, and the rectangular
base which sits the double lotus are indication of a style produced in late 16th
century, Ming Dynasty (1573-1644). The zinc content and fabrication technique
suggested that the sculpture was likely made in the Beijing area.
