A bronze figure of Manjushri or Avalokiteshvara Indonesia, Central Java, 9th-10th century 5 ¼ in. (13.3 cm.) Provenance: With J. Polak, Amsterdam, by 1981. The estate of Professor John W. Wilkins.
Esoteric Mahayana Buddhism was well grounded in the Indonesian archipelago by the seventh century, largely due to the influence of maritime trade. The religious text atop the lotus at the figure’s proper left as well as the figure’s vajrasana posture and the effigy of a buddha within the ornamented chignon identify this figure as either Manjushri or Avalokiteshvara. The bodhisattva was likely part of a larger set, as many small Javanese bronzes are. The influence of southeastern In- dian and Sri Lankan art is especially apparent in the early stages of artistic development in central Java from which this came. Despite the small size of this bronze, the details are exquisitely executed. The negative space behind the bodhisattva’s back is a difficult feat of casting which indicates the work of a highly experienced artist. Compare the sash-like sacred cord, foliate arm bands, curled hair tendrils, heavy eyelids, flaming aureole, rounded canopy, and bodily proportions to a very similar bronze figure of Shri Devi dated to the ninth century in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. 1987.142.219).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art comparable Seated Shri-Devi Indonesia, Java, 9th century Bronze 4 4/5 in. (12.2 cm) Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Gift of Samuel Eilenberg, 1987. 1987.142.219
Photograph by J. Polak, 1970s.
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