Item: Manjushri (Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity) - Manjuvajra, Namasangiti (1 face, 4 hands)

Manjushri, Anang-ga Vajra. The sculpture is inscribed on the front with the mark of the Qianlong Emperor of China (1711-1799). A metallurgical test of the sculpture has determined that it is 80% gold.

This form of Manjushri can have either six arms or four as explained in the Drub Tab Gyatsa text of Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag.

"[9] Anangavajra Manjughosha. Anangavajra Manjughosa, a body yellow in colour, with six hands. The first two hold a flower bow drawn near to the ear with the arrow tipped with a red utpala [flower]. The middle two hold a sword and blue utpala, the lower two, a mirror and branch of the ashoka tree. With the same ornaments and garments. Seated in a manner with the left leg extended." (Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrub 1497-1557. Based on the Bari Gyatsa of Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag, 1040-1112 [P3731]).

Jeff Watt 12-2014