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Four-Armed Avalokitesvara
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Four-Armed Avalokitesvara
CAMBODIA; 11th century; Sandstone; H: 111.8 cm; Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, California, USA
The four-armed statue, dated to the Angkor period (circa 9th-15th century), is identified as Avalokitesvara by the Buddha image incorporated into the topknot. The Bodhisattva is depicted with almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose and the thick lips characteristic of sculptures from the region. The hairline is low, while the braids are coiled into a knot and secured with a string of large beads. The upper body is quite short, while the legs are almost exaggeratedly long. The figure wears the short local skirt, tied high at the back with a butterfly bow and worn low in front, exposing the navel. The simple and lithe sculpture reflects the graceful Baphuon style. |
