 |
Longhua Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
|
| |
|
Longhua Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA, Shandong, Binzhou; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), dated 511; Commissioned by Ming Jingwu; Gilt bronze; H: 17.6 cm; Boxing County Museum, Binzhou, Shandong, China
nverted lotus pedestal with hands in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The Bodhisattva’s crown is further enhanced by the lotus nimbus behind the figure. The garment and stoles drape down the body and splay outwards in dynamic folds.
The mandorla is shaped like a lotus petal with whirling flame patterns carved into the surface. Curving lines also define the aureole. The inscription on the four-legged stand dates the artwork to 511 and identifies Ming Jingwu as the person who commissioned it. |
