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Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
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Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911); By Hua Yan; Ink and color on silk; 114 x 45 cm; Nantong Museum, Jiangsu, China
In this unique painting by Hua Yan, Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara sits on a lotus throne supported by clouds. The Bodhisattva has a long, narrow face, a rounded chin, and lowered eyes. A third eye is painted in the middle of the forehead. The unusually long hair hangs down beside the lotus throne. Clad in a simple blue and red upper garment, the Bodhisattva joins one pair of hands in front of the chest. The other hands hold objects including a sun disc, moon disc, vase, palm leaf, willow branch, and vajra. Uniquely, the crown of the Bodhisattva, adorned with flowers and topped with a large Buddha image, is held up above the head. One hand with an eye in the center of the palm is extended downwards. A thin trail of smoke extends from the eye to a kneeling figure wearing a red robe in the lower left corner. Bright colors are applied sparingly, highlighting individual details. |
