Chinese Figure of Manjushri, God of Wisdom

Sword raised, lion grinning beneath, and not a hair out of place.

This figure of Manjushri, God of Wisdom, comes from China and is contemporary, carved in boxwood. Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom in Buddhist tradition, usually shown with a sword that cuts through ignorance and often seated on a lion. The figure sits serenely in a tall jeweled crown, the sword upright in one hand. Beneath, a curly-maned lion strides forward, its mouth open, tail flaring in carved locks. Swirling clouds form the base. The boxwood is a warm reddish brown with crisp detail. It is 3.25 inches wide and 4.75 high.

Wisdom with an edge, and a very proud mount.