Wisdom is depicted as a weapon in this striking 17.75″ Jampelyang (Manjushri) statue: the sword of transcendent wisdom is raised high over the right shoulder, its flame-tipped blade a symbol that the omnipotence of wisdom will always annihilate ignorance and delusion. However, this is not an act of violence. Instead it is considered a “gentle” annihilation and the triumph of wisdom. Manjushri is also known as Jampelyang in Tibetan — learn more about the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and his significance in Buddhist tradition.
Jampelyang is one of the oldest and most venerable bodhisattvas in the Buddhist pantheon. The story of Jampelyang first emerges in the Prajnaparamita, known as the book of transcendent wisdom, which was written over the course of seven centuries between the 1st and 7th centuries. Therefore, it is fitting that a lotus flower grows over his left shoulder, with a copy of the Prajnaparamita resting inside the open blossom.
Golden Jampelyang Statue
This Jampelyang statue is also depicted with traditional features such as the crown and jewels of the bodhisattva. At the request of the buyer, we would be happy to adorn the crown and jewels of this statue with turquoise and coral stones. At no extra charge, the skilled artisan can embellish the statue with these special decorations before delivery.
Additionally, Jampelyang is featured with the ushnisha topknot, the third eye of wisdom, and is seated in the full lotus pose. His left hand is raised at the chest with thumb and index finger meeting and palm turned open toward devotees — a delicate Buddhist hand gesture and a symbol of teaching and intellectual debate propagating the Dharma. Explore the meaning of the many Buddhist hand gestures in our full guide to Buddha statue meaning. As a result, devotees can take refuge in the power of wisdom.
The attribute of wisdom is also believed to be a fountain of youth. This is because newfound wisdom will allow the recipient to see the world anew — and they will benefit from renewed vigor and youthful looks. However, the youthful looks of Jampelyang are not to be confused with adolescence and immaturity.
The Hand Painted Gold Face
One detail worth understanding about our gold gilded statues: the face is not fire gilded. Fire gilding cannot render the subtle life of a face — the arched brows, the delicate eye-line, the soft blush of the lips. Instead, on every gilded face, our artisan hand paints a specialised mix of 18K gold and natural pigments, layering the color and detail that give the sculpture its lifelike expression. So while the sculpture is described as “24K gold gilded,” the face is the beautiful exception — read the full explanation in our buyer’s guide to the gold face painting technique.
Shakya Artisans and the Lost Wax Method
This statue was cast by master craftsmen of the Shakya caste of Newar artisans in Patan, Nepal — the same lineage that has supplied Tibetan monasteries with their most important sculpture for over a thousand years. Every piece begins as a hand-sculpted beeswax model, encased in clay, then fired so the wax melts away and molten copper alloy is poured into the resulting mould. The clay is broken, the metal figure is cold-worked by hand — chased, engraved, and refined — before the surface is fire gilded with pure 24K gold. Because each wax model is destroyed in the casting, no two statues from the workshop are ever identical.
Custom Orders
If you would prefer this Manjushri in a different size, or in an oxidized copper, partly gilded, or silver plated finish, we can commission it directly with the artisan on your behalf. Explore our custom Tibetan Buddhist statues page for the full commissioning process and to see recent custom pieces we have delivered.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal's Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
