ABS 054
Code: ABS 054
Country: Tibet (west)
Style:
Date: 1150 - 1250
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 39.5 x 58.5 x 13.5
Materials: Brass; inlaid with silver and copper
Ekadasamukha – The eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara
Ekadashamukha is a form of Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion, with eleven faces. Although the eight upper heads are lost (see for example ABS 332 or ABP 004 and 070), the statue preserves all of its grace. The eleven faces would be arranged in four tiers: three times three faces with a wrathful face at the top, surmounted by the head of Amitabha, the Buddha of the West, of whom Avalokiteshvara is an emanation. In the Lotus Sutra, Avalokiteshvara is called “he who sees in all directions,” underlining the universality of the help that this bodhisattva bestows on all those in need.
A true masterpiece, this imposing image of Avalokiteshvara, cast in Tibet, incorporates stylistic features that reflect influences of the Kashmir style and the North-Eastern Indian Pala tradition. The garment is profusely decorated with engraved ornaments, and the eyes, lips, nails and jewellery are extensively inlaid with silver and copper.
Ekadashamukha is a form of Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion, with eleven faces. Although the eight upper heads are lost (see for example ABS 332 or ABP 004 and 070), the statue preserves all of its grace. The eleven faces would be arranged in four tiers: three times three faces with a wrathful face at the top, surmounted by the head of Amitabha, the Buddha of the West, of whom Avalokiteshvara is an emanation. In the Lotus Sutra, Avalokiteshvara is called “he who sees in all directions,” underlining the universality of the help that this bodhisattva bestows on all those in need.
A true masterpiece, this imposing image of Avalokiteshvara, cast in Tibet, incorporates stylistic features that reflect influences of the Kashmir style and the North-Eastern Indian Pala tradition. The garment is profusely decorated with engraved ornaments, and the eyes, lips, nails and jewellery are extensively inlaid with silver and copper.