This four-armed male deity standing on a pedestal is identifiable as the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Lord of Infinite Compassion, through the small seated Buddha Amitabha in front of his conical crown and the vertical third eye on his forehead. After the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, he is the most popular deity in Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara wears a short pleated wraparound garment, the sampot, tied at the upper hem and drawn between the legs to be fastened at the rear. A sash around the hips helps to secure it. He also wears a decorated diadem and ear pendants.

This superb sculpture, well proportioned, beautifully modeled, and with precise, clearly articulated detailing, is a rare early example in bronze of the classical period of Khmer art. It has a most appealing expression, a commanding presence, and a fine patina. It is a particularly significant addition to the Museum's important collection of Baphuon sculptures of the eleventh century because it is stylistically earlier than any of our others.