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Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 5: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 5: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Nanzhao to Dali period (752–1253); Stone; H: 53 cm
This statue is located within a shallow arched niche to the left of the main niche containing Vimalakirti. It depicts Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru platform in celestial garments with an elegant headdress. The hands hold an alms bowl and a willow branch. The Bodhisattva’s aureole is petal-shaped and ringed with flames. Avalokitesvara was a highly respected figure in Yunnan during the Nanzhao (752-902) and Dali (937-1253) Kingdoms and appears in many of the caves and grottoes in the region. |
