Avalokiteshvara Padmapani – The "Lotus Bearer"
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Furniture 4
ABS 120
Code: ABS 120
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1100 - 1200
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 23.2 x 39 x 20.9
Materials: Brass; inlaid with silver and copper
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion
The bodhisattva sits in the posture of ease on a on a carpet-covered cushion. He performs the gesture of generosity with his right hand and holds the stem of a lotus flower (missing here) with his left. His long hair is braided into an elaborate topknot in which Buddha Amitabha, the lord of the lotus family, is seated. The presence of Buddha Amitabha allows the identification this bodhisattva as Avalokiteshvara, because is considered to be the emanation of Buddha Amitabha. The bodhisattva is represented in his royal appearance, adorned and dressed in precious silks.
The artist paid great attention to the details of the ornamentation. The eyes and the urna are inlaid with silver and the lips and the decorated belt with red copper. The fabrics are designed with delicately engraved geometric patterns. Influences from Kashmir, Nepal and North India merge in a specifically Tibetan style.
Bodhisattvas are the "heroes for enlightenment". These advanced practitioners are motivated by compassion, and strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.
The bodhisattva sits in the posture of ease on a on a carpet-covered cushion. He performs the gesture of generosity with his right hand and holds the stem of a lotus flower (missing here) with his left. His long hair is braided into an elaborate topknot in which Buddha Amitabha, the lord of the lotus family, is seated. The presence of Buddha Amitabha allows the identification this bodhisattva as Avalokiteshvara, because is considered to be the emanation of Buddha Amitabha. The bodhisattva is represented in his royal appearance, adorned and dressed in precious silks.
The artist paid great attention to the details of the ornamentation. The eyes and the urna are inlaid with silver and the lips and the decorated belt with red copper. The fabrics are designed with delicately engraved geometric patterns. Influences from Kashmir, Nepal and North India merge in a specifically Tibetan style.
Bodhisattvas are the "heroes for enlightenment". These advanced practitioners are motivated by compassion, and strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.