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Swat: Vajradharma Avalokitesvara
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Swat: Vajradharma Avalokitesvara
PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat; circa 9th century; Bronze; H: 39.4 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
The Bodhisattva is seated in a half lotus position on a double lotus throne. The throne is on an openwork base with column supports interspersed with peacocks. The Bodhisattva 's hair is tied into a topknot and secured behind a headdress fronted with the image of a seated Amitabha Buddha. Though the upper torso is bare, it is adorned with beaded jewelry. The figure is garbed from the hips down in a tight garment that is engraved with floral and diamond-shaped patterns. The left hand of the figure 's four hands is at the front holding a lotus stalk while the right hand supports the flower 's bud. The upper hands hold a bow and arrow.
The Bodhisattva is identified as Vajradharma Lokeshvara, a rare form of Avalokitesvara, by the Amitabha headdress, the bow and arrow, posture, and peacock throne. Some of these characteristics are shared in the portrayal of Manjusri. |
