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Wanfo Pagoda: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
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Wanfo Pagoda: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
CHINA, Zhejiang, Jinhua; Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), dated 1056–1063; Gilt copper alloy; H: 49.8 cm; National Museum of China, Beijing
This statue was discovered in the underground palace of Wanfo Pagoda in 1956. Avalokitesvara is seated upon a rocky outcrop in a variation of the relaxation posture. One foot rests on a jutting rock, while the Bodhisattva 's vase rests on another rock on the other side. The figure wears an elaborate openwork crown that is fronted by a seated Buddha and has ribbons hanging from the sidepieces. A heavy necklace decorates the chest and long, beaded ornament hangs down the length of the body. A stole is knotted at the chest while another is wrapped about the right. A round mandorla encircles the figure. This is decorated with tufts of flames on either side and more elaborately at the top. |
