 |
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
|
| |
|
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 571; Commissioned by Xuan Jingxing; Gilt bronze; H: 32.7 cm; Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, USA
The Bodhisattva stands on an inverted-lotus pedestal supported by a tall four-legged stand. The figure wears a headdress with broad ribbons extending to the shoulders, and a skirt overlapped by the descending loops of a stole. The right hand displays the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra while the left hand is raised with the palm facing up. The intricately designed circular nimbus displays lotus leaves and petals, and is framed within a flame-patterned mandorla. An inscription dating the work to 571 is engraved on the stand. The sculpture was dedicated by the donor Xuan Jingxing, to the emperor, monks, teachers, his deceased parents, his wife, and all living beings in the six realms of existence, that all might attain the fruits of realization. |
