The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer

Tibet

Not on view

Avalokiteshvara’s left hand holds the stem of a now-lost lotus, an attribute of this bodhisattva, whose beauty grows out of the “mud” of samsara (the cycle of rebirth). It also indicates his place within the lotus family of the Buddha Amitabha. Avalokiteshvara compassionately presides over our realm of existence during the time between the death of the Buddha Shakyamuni and the coming of the future Buddha Maitreya. The inlaid silver for the eyes, the copper for the lips, and the jewelry details all reflect Tibetan responses to north Indian Pala sculptural models.



On view from March 27, 2021–October 30, 2022

The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet

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The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet

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