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Yakushiji Temple East Hall: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Yakushiji Temple East Hall: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
JAPAN, Nara; Hakuho to Nara period (645–794); Gilt copper alloy; H: 188.9 cm
This gilt copper alloy Avalokitesvara was made between the late 7th and early 8th century and was heavily influence by the Chinese Tang dynasty (618–907). It was listed as a National Treasure in 1951.
The Bodhisattva 's hair is swept into a topknot but the Amitabha figure that fronted it is now missing. The left hand is raised in the vitarka (teaching) mudra while the right hand is lowered in the lotus mudra, reversing the usual pose of such figures. Avalokitesvara stands on a deep lotus pedestal, wearing a stole that winds about the body in decorative loops, and a wave-like skirt that clings to the legs in rippling folds. The flame-shaped mandorla is decorated with foliated patterns and reliefs of eleven seated Buddhas. |
