figure (ritual & belief: representations)

Bronze image of Pu-hien or Puxian (SAMANTASHABRA) a Dhyani-Boddhisattva on his elephant. He presides over fire and symbolises happiness. His holy mount is WO -MEI- SHAN. Prov Si-chwan, China. Ht 11 1/2.

Puxian is usually paired with Wenshu, the bodhisattva Manjushri, with whom he also appears in a triad with Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in temples. He is placed to the right of Shakyamuni and is represented riding on an elephant while Wenshu rides a lion. Puxian is the patron saint of Mount Emei in Sichuan province, where there are many temples in his honour.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
472
Date
18th-19th century
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 288 mm x 220 mm x 96 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
bronze; gilding
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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