Statuette of Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This rhinoceros horn statuette of Manjusri depicts the Bodhisattva with hair tied in a topknot and a floral crown. The face is round with long eyebrows, small, half-closed eyes, a prominent nose, and a narrow mouth. The features are delicate in contrast with the upper body, which is well-built. A long-sleeved robe covers both shoulders and flows down over the body. The Bodhisattva holds prayer beads in the left hand and a ruyi in the right, while seated on a lotus throne supported by flowering peach blossoms and leaves.
The two colors of the statuette are in harmony with each other; the upper part is dark brown, while the remainder is dark orange. The artist has produced a fine work of elegance and serenity.