Avalokiteshvara Padmapani – The “Lotus Bearer”
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 4

ABS 290

 Code: ABS 290

  Country: India (north-east)

  Style: Late Pala Style

  Date: 1100 - 1200

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 5.6 x 10.8 x 4.7

  Materials: Brass

Avalokiteshvara Padmapani – The “Lotus-bearer”

The bodhisattva of compassion is seated in the posture of ease on a high lotus throne, his right foot resting on a blossom. With his right hand he performs the gesture of generosity, while his left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower. He is depicted in his royal appearance, robed in silk and bedecked with jewellery. His long hair is braided into an elaborate topknot. Two blossoms frame his face, which bears the Indian features typical of the artistic style of the Bengal region.

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.