Figurine of Six-Armed Manjusri

NEPAL

This gilt copper alloy figurine of Manjusri Bodhisattva was created in Nepal around 1600. Manjusri sits in full lotus position on a disc with a raised rim. The Bodhisattva has three faces and six arms, two arms embrace his consort, Vidyarajni, while simultaneously holding a vajra and a bell. His remaining hands hold objects including an arrow, sword, bow, and lotus flower. The three-headed Vidyarajni has her arms around Manjusri’s neck and the set of objects she holds are identical to his.
Despite the size of the figurine, all elements are depicted in great detail; however, compared with other statues of the same subject, there is very little decoration. There is a hole in the bottom, which suggests that a rod was once inserted so that it could be slotted on to a mandala.