Chinese Bronze Buddhist Figure Riding Qilin, Ming

A Chinese bronze statue of Manjushri Vadisimha or Wenshu dating from the Ming dynasty. The bodhisattva rides a Qilin with his hands up in shuni while holding lotuses. A wheel emerges from the lotus at his right shoulder, and a scroll emerges from the lotus to his left. He is dressed in elaborate clothing and jewelry, with a crown and a finial in his tall top knot. The Qilin sits upon a lotus pedestal.

Dimensions are: 12 inches tall X 8 1/4 inches wide, 30.5 cm X 21 cm. Weight: 3850 grams. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: There is possible loss of the Qilin's tail. Oxidation and age appropriate wear.

Provenance: From the collection of Mr. Williams in Texas. Mr. Williams has more than 50 years of collecting experience in Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and the Central Plains of China. He has participated in sales around the world including in Hong Kong and throughout Tibet and Europe. This lot was purchased from a Northern California estate auction.

High resolution images can be found here.