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Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

8th–early 9th century
Not on view
This four-armed Avalokiteshvara exemplifies the finest qualities associated with the pan-Asian cult of the savior bodhisattva. Through its grace and humanism, the work embodies the qualities of compassion central to Buddhist ethics. It may have been made in Sumatra or in the Malay Peninsula, regions linked by commercial activity in which religious imagery could readily circulate. Chinese pilgrim sources tell of major monasteries that prospered in both areas.

cat. no. 158

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
  • Date: 8th–early 9th century
  • Culture: Southern Thailand or Sumatra
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 22 1/4 in. (56.6 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.64
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Standing Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Bronze inlaid with obsidian(?), Northeast Thailand
Standing Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Northeast Thailand
8th–early 9th century
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Sandstone, Southern Thailand
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Southern Thailand
second half of the 7th century
Standing Buddha, Stone with traces of color, Thailand
Standing Buddha
Thailand
7th–8th century
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Copper alloy inlaid with silver and glass or obsidian, Plai Bat II Temple, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province, Thailand
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Plai Bat II Temple, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province, Thailand
second quarter of the 8th century
Standing Buddha, Bronze with traces of gilt, Thailand (Nakhon Pathom Province)
Standing Buddha
Thailand (Nakhon Pathom Province)
8th–9th century

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