Dehua Manjushri Bodhisattva Porcelain Sculpture

Manjushri sits above a lotus base with a sword rising beside the figure and long celestial ribbons opening around the shoulders. Warm jade red softens the form; white glaze makes the crown, jewelry and layered drapery more graphic.

In Buddhist art, Manjushri embodies wisdom. The sword is not a weapon of aggression but an emblem of insight cutting through ignorance and confusion, a meaning also recorded in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Manjushri collection. That symbolism makes the figure particularly resonant in a study, library, or place of learning as a blessing for clear thought, discernment, and the courage to see through confusion.

At 33.5 cm tall, the sculpture has enough presence to stand alone rather than disappear among smaller objects. It is also one half of a meaningful pair: Manjushri represents wisdom, while Samantabhadra represents vows carried into action.

• Origin: Dehua, Fujian, China
• Material: Dehua porcelain
• Finishes: Jade red or jade white glaze
• Iconography: Seated Manjushri with sword of wisdom, crown, ribbons and lotus base
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 16.5 x 33.5 cm / 7.7 x 6.5 x 13.2 in
• Care: Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth