A GILT-BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF WENSHU MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the deity seated in dyanasana with hands holding a sutra vertically as if presenting it, dressed in a finely hemmed long flowing robe opened at the chest, revealing an elaborate pectoral, the serene face with downcast eyes, framed by long pendulous earlobes weighed down by large earrings, his smooth long hair tied in plaits resting on each shoulder and secured by a small diadem

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 15th November 1989, lot 581.

The overall condition is very good with the gilding in very good condition. Fingers, ribbons appear to all be in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Wenshu or Manjushri is referred to in the orthodox sutra Shoulengyuan Sanweijing as the 'Mother and Tutor of Buddhas', hence he is often depicted holding a scroll, the symbol of wisdom, with both hands.  He can also be seen with the Sword of Wisdom which he uses to eliminate worries, or seated on a lion which shows his overwhelming power and invincible status.  Traditionally, Wenshu has been worshipped as one of the most popular and respected deities in both Buddhism and Daoism.

The present figure is superbly modelled and cast seated gracefully in the dhyanasa.  Stylistically it is related to and influenced by early Yuan dynasty seated figures of Wenshu; for example see a wooden sculpture attributed to the Yuan period, in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku bukkyochokokushiron, Tokyo, 1995, vol. 3, pl. 850.  Compare also a gilt-bronze figure of Manjushri seated on a lion, attributed to the 14-15th centuries, included in the Special Exhibition of Recently Acquired Gilt-Bronze Buddhist Images, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1996, cat. no. 20; and another related figure of a slightly earlier period exhibited in The Crucible of Compassion and Wisdom, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1987, cat. no. 103.

See also a seated figure of Wenshu, similarly holding a scroll with both hands, sold in our London rooms, 9th June 1992, lot 25; and a figure of Avalokitesvara that stylistically belongings to this group, sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2007, lot 740.