MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY

Manjushri, the embodiment of the Perfection of Wisdom, is finely cast seated in dhyanasana atop a Buddhist lion on a lotus base. The left hand is in dhyana mudra with the right hand resting on the knee, each holding the tip of the lotus stems, extending up the arms to flank the shoulders. The deity wears a sash around the shoulders revealing the bare chest adorned with beaded pendent jewellery chains. The face is modelled with a benevolent expression.