Dehua Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Porcelain Sculpture

Samantabhadra is seated on a lotus with an elaborate crown, long ribbons and a green lotus stem held against the warm jade-red or white porcelain body. The open silhouette gives the figure movement, while the centered posture keeps it composed from the front.

Known in Chinese Buddhism as Puxian, Samantabhadra represents universal goodness, vows and the act of putting Buddhist principles into practice. Historic collections, including the British Museum, frequently pair Puxian with Wenshu, or Manjushri. The pairing gives these two Dehua figures a clear relationship: wisdom is not complete until it becomes conduct.

This sculpture can stand alone as a blessing for worthy vows carried into action, but it has added meaning beside the corresponding Manjushri figure. Together, wisdom and conduct become a complete pair. The 33.5 cm height gives both enough visual weight for a shared cabinet, altar, or study without forcing them into a monumental scale.

• Origin: Dehua, Fujian, China
• Material: Dehua porcelain
• Finishes: Jade red or jade white glaze
• Iconography: Seated Samantabhadra with crown, flowing ribbons, lotus stem 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