PROVENANCE: Ralph Dewey (1917-2017) of Indiana. Ralph obtained a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Institute of Technology. He went on to work as a chemical engineer for Edmont for almost 45 years until his retirement. He also served as Museum President and Secretary for Friends of the Library, Chairman of Edmont investment Committee and President for the Hospice Board. Ralph was passionate about his hobbies, which included collecting antiques.Measurements: Height: 9 1/4" Width: 6 1/2" Depth: 4 3/8" Ming Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze Bodhisattva figure of seated Arya Manjushri, the Gentle Voiced Noble One, from the tradition of the Siddhaikavira and the Manjushri Mulakalpa Tantras.This figure of Manjushri has one face and two arms. The hands are crossed at the heart in a teaching gesture while holding the stems of two utpala flowers blossoming on the right and left sides. The pair of flowers support an upright sword of wisdom on the proper right side and a text of the Prajnaparamita sutra on the left side. Seated upright he has the two legs crossed one over the other in vajra posture atop a double lotus seat. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surface.The underside with incised quatrefoil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi. Ming Dynasty and of the period.