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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
CHINA; Song dynasty (960–1279); Wood; H: 170 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
The Bodhisattva is seated in a variation of the relaxation posture, with the left foot overhanging and the relaxed right hand supported on the raised knee. The figure 's hair is styled into an elaborate topknot. The earlobes are elongated with heavy ornaments. An elegant bead necklace decorates the chest and a more complicated ornament is worn about the waist that hangs over either knee. Stoles cross the upper body, while the full skirt hangs spreading on either side of the legs. The intention behind the casual posture is to make the Bodhisattva seem more approachable. Traces of the Tang (618–907) style such as the rounded face and naturalized pose is seen on the figure. |
