Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wisdom Embodied: 12th-Century Manjushri Sells for Record ₹166 Crore
Wisdom Embodied: 12th-Century Manjushri Sells for Record ₹166 Crore
1 Nov
Summary
- A 12th-century Nepalese Manjushri sculpture sold for ₹166 crore.
- The gilt-copper figure represents a rare surviving tradition of Buddhist art.
- Newar artisans' exquisite craftsmanship influenced art across Asia.
A remarkable 12th-century sculpture of Manjushri from Nepal, standing nearly a meter tall, recently fetched approximately ₹166 crore at auction. This gilded copper figure, created by Newar artisans in the Kathmandu Valley, represents a significant artistic tradition that influenced Buddhist art throughout the Himalayas and Asia.
The 93cm sculpture depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, adorned with detailed jewelry and posed in the graceful 'tribhanga' stance. The Newar school of sculpture, revered for its metalworking and mercury gilding techniques, fused Indian classical ideals with unique Nepalese aesthetics.
Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Nepalese artisans played a crucial role in the later diffusion of Buddhism, fulfilling a growing demand for sacred sculptures in Tibet. Their skills were also imparted to local artists, fostering a shared visual language.
Newar influence extended to China, notably through the artist Anige, who worked under the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century. This artistic exchange shaped Buddhist art within imperial courts for centuries.
This particular Manjushri is a rare surviving example of monumental gilt-copper figures from its era. Its provenance includes esteemed collections before its record-setting sale on October 30, 2026, at Christie's Hong Kong.
The sculpture's sale underscores the enduring legacy of Kathmandu Valley's artistic heritage, demonstrating the profound impact of Newar craftsmen on the Buddhist world.
