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Amulet with Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
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Amulet with Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
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Amulet with Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
JAPAN; Heian period (794–1185); Wood; Diameter: 8.6 cm; Kyoto National Museum, Japan
This 12th century amulet was probably used by traveling monks, or placed in a monk's quarters for personal practice. The circular amulet is carved from white rosewood. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is carved with 42 arms and is seated with legs crossed on a lotus throne. The four main hands have palms joined and perform the dhyana (meditation) mudra, while the remaining arms are outstretched. The lid is carved with an incense burner at the center supported by auspicious clouds. Mahadevi and Vasu, who appears as an old man, flank the incense burner at the lower part of the amulet while on the upper part, there are musical instruments. |
