We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: IS.130-2009
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

Figure

20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Standing 8-armed Avalokitesvara wearing a pointed 5-tiered crown decorated with faces on three sides. Two arms (from right and left) meet with palms together in front of the chest. The topmost right hand holds a ring between the fingers, another arm on the right side extends palm facing outwards to the side. The bottom-most arm makes the gesture of varada (giving blessings). This is echoed on the left side, with the topmost hand holding a lotus flower. Each arm is decorated with armbands and bracelets. The figure also wears a beaded collar and two earrings in the shape of flowers. A long ribbon-like scarf is draped across the shoulders with its ends extending out from the legs. The folds of the dhoti are shown flaring out from the ankles and pleated down the front of the legs. The waist is tied with a bow from which three strings of beads are attached, falling to just above the knees on each side and then attached to the waist again (with an additional string of beads) at the back of the figure. The back hem of the dhoti is decorated with a narrow band of a scrolling pattern.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gilt copper
Brief description
Figure, standing 8-armed Avalokitesvara, copper gilt, Nepal, 20th century
Physical description
Standing 8-armed Avalokitesvara wearing a pointed 5-tiered crown decorated with faces on three sides. Two arms (from right and left) meet with palms together in front of the chest. The topmost right hand holds a ring between the fingers, another arm on the right side extends palm facing outwards to the side. The bottom-most arm makes the gesture of varada (giving blessings). This is echoed on the left side, with the topmost hand holding a lotus flower. Each arm is decorated with armbands and bracelets. The figure also wears a beaded collar and two earrings in the shape of flowers. A long ribbon-like scarf is draped across the shoulders with its ends extending out from the legs. The folds of the dhoti are shown flaring out from the ankles and pleated down the front of the legs. The waist is tied with a bow from which three strings of beads are attached, falling to just above the knees on each side and then attached to the waist again (with an additional string of beads) at the back of the figure. The back hem of the dhoti is decorated with a narrow band of a scrolling pattern.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18cm
  • Width: 11cm
  • At base depth: 5cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Susan Brinkworth
Collection
Accession number
IS.130-2009

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 15, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSON