The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer
Not on view
This Padmapani descends from a series of eleventh-century bodhisattva icons produced under the patronage of the Guge kingdom. It belongs to a larger tradition of metal bodhisattva icons made in western and central Tibetan workshops under both Kashmiri and Indian Pala dynasty influences. The inlaid silver for the eyes and copper for the lips, and the jewelry details, reflect Tibetan responses to Pala models. A softness to the anatomy points to its twelfth-century date, as do the crown, ear ornaments, and engraved textile designs on the waist cloth.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.