GILT BRONZE BUDDHA - SWORD

Object nr. 301

Size: 20 cm x 8 cm

Condition: Good, missing small bead on chest

High quality photos available on request

This gilt bronze sculpture represents Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a key figure in Buddhist iconography. Based on its style, material, and attributes, this piece likely originates from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), specifically during the Yongle period (1403–1424), a time when Buddhist art flourished under imperial patronage. The Yongle emperor was a devout supporter of Tibetan Buddhism, and many sculptures from this era reflect a fusion of Chinese, Tibetan, and Nepalese artistic traditions. 

• Appearance: Manjushri is seated in dhyanasana (meditative posture) on a double-lotus base. He holds a flaming sword in his right hand, symbolizing the cutting away of ignorance and illusion, while his left hand supports a lotus flower bearing the Prajnaparamita Sutra, representing transcendent wisdom. The figure is adorned with an elaborate crown, jewelry, and flowing robes that emphasize its divine status.
• Material and Craftsmanship: The sculpture is crafted using gilt bronze with intricate detailing and inset semi-precious stones. The gilding technique and delicate ornamentation are hallmarks of Ming Dynasty craftsmanship, particularly from imperial workshops.

• Prevalence: Statues of Manjushri were widely produced for monasteries, temples, and private altars. They played a central role in devotional practices, serving as focal points for meditation on wisdom and enlightenment.
• Purpose: Beyond their religious function, such sculptures were symbols of cultural exchange along the Silk Road, reflecting the spread of Buddhist art and ideas across Asia.

This sculpture exemplifies the fusion of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery characteristic of Buddhist art. It reflects the importance of wisdom in Buddhist teachings and serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of artisans who sought to create objects that inspire reverence and contemplation. Such artifacts provide invaluable insights into Buddhist iconography, religious practices, and cultural history.