Porcelain figurine ‘Manjushri on foo dog’, Qing Dynasty

Beautiful white porcelain figure of Dehua or “Blanc de chine” on carved wooden base. It shows the representation of the bodhisattva Manjushri or “文殊菩萨”, attired in a long robe, adorned with ribbons and a small crown. The expression is serene, with half-open eyes, closed lips and long ears framing the face. The hands are folded and resting on a long sword, from which hangs a rolled scroll. The bodhisattva is seated, with one leg bent, on a traditional foo dog, with a menacing expression, its jaws open showing its fangs, its ears alert and its curled tail raised.

The piece stands out for the harmony and serenity of the composition, which stands out against the faint white color of the glaze, slightly cracked by the passage of time. In turn, it contrasts with the intense dark color of the carved wooden base adorned with sinuous openwork ruyi clouds. 

Height: 29 cm; Height with stand: 38 cm

Provenance: Danish private collection.