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Wat Wiang: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Wat Wiang: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
THAILAND, Surat Thani; 9th century; Bronze; H: 63 cm; Bangkok National Museum, Thailand
A large number of Avalokitesvara figures dating from the Srivijaya Empire (circa 7th–13th century) were discovered in southern Thailand with this example considered to be one of the finest.
The Bodhisattva wears an ornate but damaged crown with floral decorations. The hairline is visible just below the crown while braids fall to the shoulders. A few traits of an enlightenment being are visible, including an urna, elongated earlobes that are partly broken and the three lines on the neck. The eyes are inlaid with silver and were once set with semi-precious stones. Two necklaces are worn over the torso and a sacred thread crosses the chest diagonally over an antelope-headed leather strap. The tilt of the Bodhisattva 's head and waist indicates that the figure originally stood in the tribanga posture. |
