Title: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Location: Kathmadu Valley, Nepal
Culture: Indian
Medium: Copper, gold leaf, semi-precious stones
Dimensions: Width: 170cm, Height: 473cm, Diameter: 150cm.
Repository: National Gallery of Australia
Image Description: Crafted in a well balanced manner, this sculpture depicts the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara standing up, with no platform, and in some form of motion. The sculpture of is made from a variety of materials including copper, gold leaf, and semi-precious stones. Together, these elements give the sculpture a polished, shiny, and golden looking finish. However, the sculpture does have worn scuffs across the chest, left arm, and right knee. Dissimilar to most other figurines of this category, Avalokiteshvara is standing up with out a platform, balanced on his two feet. He is leaning slightly to his right side with his right hand raised. He is presumably instructing others, as he is a deity who’s main purpose is to reach the same level of enlightenment as Buddha, but to make sure he makes all others join the same path. In his left hand, Avalokiteshvara is holding a lotus flower, a sacred object throughout Buddhism. Here, he is pictured to be wearing fitted linens with valuable jewels dispersed across the outfit. Similarly to the outfit’s jewels, he has earrings and a cone shape crown with jewels and a fine, detailed design.
References:
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/bodhisattva-avalokiteshvara/ogHWSUGgNtT2xQ
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