Antique Clay Tibetan Buddhist Votive Plaque (Tsa-Tsa) of Manjushri (Gentle Glory). This wonderful piece of artwork is in fair antique condition. There is wearing and deterioration of the clay. Please see photos for more details.

height: 6.4cm, width: 5.2cm, thickness: 1.8cm

This devotional votive plaque or tsa-tsa was made by pressing clay into a metal reverse-mould after which it was fired. It shows the deity Manjushri, the embodiment of infinite wisdom. His double-edged sword cuts through obscuring layers of misconception and ignorance. He holds n his left hand a sutra text. A lotus stem and flower rises from his left side.

Manjushri’s mantra “Om ah ra pa tsa nia dhi” appears in Tibetan lantsa script would have been on his right side when new (worn).

Such tablets were acquired by Buddhist devotees and pilgrims as acts of merit, often at religious sites, as mementos and talismanic or protective keepsakes. The plaques often were made in one location and carried by pilgrims to be left at a site in another location, perhaps in a cave or at an important shrine.