This richly jeweled figure with its long corkscrew curls is characteristic of early Buddhist sculpture from the Thai/Malay peninsula. From its capital at Palembang in Sumatra, the seafaring Kingdom of Shrivijaya controlled large parts of southern Thailand. Style in the various parts of this empire was influenced by local traditions.

The Bodhisattva Manjushri appears in a posture of relaxation and can be identified by his attributes, a book and a sword, emblematic respectively of wisdom and compassion. The attributes are held aloft on a long-stemmed lotus. His open palm held downward is a gesture of bestowal.