Antique Nepalese Mañjuśrī – Kathmandu Valley, 19th Century

Antique Nepalese Mañjuśrī – 19th century

Mañjuśrī, Bodhisattva of wisdom

A monumental 19th-century Nepalese bronze representation of Mañjuśrī from the Kathmandu Valley tradition. At 57 cm high and weighing 10.1 kg, the figure has substantial sculptural presence. The elaborate crown and jewellery, openwork ornament and richly constructed lotus base reflect the labour-intensive metalworking associated with large devotional images.

Mañjuśrī is identified by the raised sword of wisdom, the attribute that cuts through ignorance. His left hand is held before the chest and was connected with a lotus rising beside the shoulder. Part of this lotus survives, while its upper section is lost.

Casting and surface

The sculpture is assembled from separately cast and mounted components. Historic joins remain visible and form part of the original construction. The surface has developed a dark age-related patina with areas of wear and surviving traces of a warm golden surface.

Condition

Offered in its historic, unrestored condition. The upper part of the lotus attribute is missing and several openwork ornamental elements show old losses and wear. These missing sections have deliberately not been reconstructed or restored. The photographs document the condition, joins and surface in detail.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

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