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Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara

ca. 8th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 242
Mahayana Buddhism once flourished in Sri Lanka, alongside Theravada Buddhism, as witnessed by this bejeweled bodhisattva.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara
  • Period: Anuradhapura period
  • Date: ca. 8th century
  • Culture: Sri Lanka
  • Medium: Bronze with high tin content
  • Dimensions: H. (with pedestal): 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); D. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation, 1994
  • Object Number: 1994.509
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Buddha Offering Protection, Copper alloy with gilding, Sri Lanka, central plateau
Buddha Offering Protection
Sri Lanka, central plateau
10th century
Buddha Expounding the Dharma, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura)
Buddha Expounding the Dharma
Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura)
late 8th century
Avalokiteshvara, The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Bronze, Sri Lanka
Avalokiteshvara, The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Sri Lanka
ca. 9th century
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Bronze, Sri Lanka
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Sri Lanka
ca. late 7th–first half of the 8th century
Jambhala, God of Riches, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura
Jambhala, God of Riches
Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura
9th–10th century

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