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Avalokiteshvara Padmapani

7th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 237
Bodhisattva as the lotus-bearer Padmapani was a favored form of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of Buddhist compassion. His identifiers are the lotus (padma) held in his left hand, and the small figure of the Buddha Amitabha atop his head. In this early representation, he sits in royal ease, with one leg pendant and a hand poised as if gesturing contemplation. The antelope skin over his shoulder is a reminder of his ascetic nature, akin to Shiva.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
  • Date: 7th century
  • Culture: Pakistan (Swat Valley)
  • Medium: Bronze inlaid with silver and copper
  • Dimensions: H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick and Fletcher Funds, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.273
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons, Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay, Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons
Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
dated by inscription to ca. 600
Akshobhya, the Transcendent Buddha of the East, Bronze with silver and copper overlays, Pakistan (Northwest Frontier Province, Swat Valley)
Akshobhya, the Transcendent Buddha of the East
Pakistan (Northwest Frontier Province, Swat Valley)
9th century
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Brass with silver and copper inlay, Pakistan (Swat Valley)
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Pakistan (Swat Valley)
7th century
Karttikeya, the God of War, Stone, Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
Karttikeya, the God of War
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6th–7th century

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