This richly decorated and extremely finely made image depicts Manjushri, the holder of spiritual Wisdom.
He is seen with his hands held in the gesture of holding Buddhist secret wisdom-teachings and from his hands emerge the stems of two lotuses which may be seen blooming at his shoulders. At his left shoulder on top of the lotus is seen the (Tibetan style) Book of the Perfection of Wisdom which Manjushri himself embodies. At his right shoulder is another lotus which should have an upright sword (here missing) which represents the cutting away of pure Wisdom from worldly ignorance. Manjushri is decorated with the most luxurious robes and a profusion of jewellery. The overall effect is remarkably rich and sumptuous as befits a deity of such huge importance. His robes are extremely finely chased and represent the finest silks and they are further heightened by the insertion of turquoise at many points. His elaborate crown is typical of images from this period and adds further to the overall magnificence of this piece. The image is typical of the finest Nepalese (Newar) workmanship often found in Tibet and it may be dated to the 15th century. (Dr. David Templeman, Monash University)
十五/十六世紀 西藏銅鎏金文殊菩薩像
此尊造像製作精絕華美，所表現者為文殊菩薩（Manjushri），即佛教智慧的化身。整體造型莊嚴典雅，工藝細膩入微，充分展現十五世紀尼泊爾紐瓦爾（Newar）工匠精湛卓越的鑄造與裝飾技藝。
文殊菩薩雙手於胸前結說法印（或持誦密法之手印），象徵弘揚佛法與傳授殊勝智慧。自雙手伸出的蓮莖蜿蜒上升至雙肩兩側，各托一朵盛開蓮花。左肩蓮花之上承載藏式《般若波羅蜜多經》，此經為般若智慧的最高象徵，而文殊菩薩正是般若智慧的人格化化現。右肩蓮花原應承托智慧寶劍（今已佚失），其劍象徵斬斷無明煩惱，以無上智慧照破世間迷障。
菩薩通體瓔珞嚴飾，佩戴華麗耳璫、項飾、臂釧及手鐲，裝束富麗堂皇，充分彰顯其崇高地位。衣袍紋飾尤為精美，表面以細密鏨刻工藝描繪繁複紋樣，生動再現上等絲織品柔軟華貴的質感。多處鑲嵌綠松石，色彩對比鮮明，不僅增添視覺層次，亦進一步提升整體裝飾效果。
頭戴高聳華冠，造型繁縟而不失典雅，為此時期喜馬拉雅地區造像的重要特徵之一。華冠與瓔珞相互輝映，使整體形象更顯莊嚴華貴，散發出非凡的宗教與藝術魅力。
本像完整呈現十五世紀尼泊爾紐瓦爾藝術對西藏佛教造像的深遠影響。無論是優雅修長的身姿比例、精緻細膩的裝飾工藝，抑或華麗繁複的整體風格，皆展現出當時最頂尖的紐瓦爾金銅造像藝術成就，可謂兼具宗教意涵與藝術價值之佳作。
26cm high
Estimate $6,000 - $8,000
The sword is broken off on the right shoulder, some tuqoise inlays are missing, otherwise, overall in good condition.
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
A private collection, WA.
Important Chinese & Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8825
11:00am - 25 October 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 22 - Sat 24 October, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
luke.guan@leonardjoel.com.au
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