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Figurine of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Figurine of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA; 7th–9th century; Bronze; H: 8.3 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
This figurine portrays Avalokitesvara with the right hand holding a willow branch near to the shoulder, and the left hand lowered and holding a vase. It may have been attached to a board or an altar.
The Bodhisattva wears a pointed crown with ribbons hanging down to both shoulders; this crown bears some similarity to that worn by Tibetan monks, therefore this work is thought to be a Tibetan piece from the 7th to the 9th centuries. The eyes of the figure protrude slightly, and the bare upper body is adorned with a necklace and bangles. The body seems emaciated and the lower part is covered in a dhoti. The Bodhisattva stands in tribhanga posture. |
