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

12th century

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer
Date: 12th century
Culture: Tibet
Medium: Bronze with later turquoise inlay
Dimensions: H. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm); H. (incl. base) 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm); W. 8 in. (20.3 cm); D. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Ann and Gilbert Kinney, 2016
Object Number: 2016.752
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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