Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is one of the most important deities in the Buddhist pantheon, and is depicted in a variety of manifestations. In his four-armed form, he holds an arrow and bow, as well as his traditional sword and book, a volume of the Prajnaparamita Sutra (a text on the perfection of wisdom). The first two implements illustrate his capacity to defeat egotism, the second his ability to confound ignorance. Often called Tikshna-Manjushri, this four-armed manifestation was prevalent in China, particularly in the early Ming period, but less well known in Tibet.

The bodhisattva's well-defined waist and broad shoulders illustrate Indo-Nepali traditions that were first introduced into China during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) and later served as the basis for the well-known Sino-Tibetan or Tibeto-Chinese style of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Manjushri's skirt, flowing scarves, and elaborate jewelry also reflect these Indian-based traditions. The sense of ease in the figure, the softness of the contours, and the naturalistic drape of the cloth, on the other hand, are typically Chinese, as is the lack of inlay in semi-precious stones on the surface of the bronze.

The phrase Da Ming Yongle nian shi (Great Ming Yongle year bestowed) is engraved on the front of the base. Yongle-period sculptures are noted for careful casting, delicate details, and the rich color of the mercury gilding. As is typical of Yongle bronzes, the base is fitted with an ungilded bronze plate incised with a crossed thunderbolt motif (vishvavajra).

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