Bodhisattva Padmapani thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Bodhisattva Padmapani

Figure
13th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Tibet (made)

The high quality of metal casting in Tibet during the 13th century is demonstrated by this elegant figure. The style of the figure reveals the strong influence of north Indian models during the 11th to 13th centuries. This was linked to the absorption of Buddhist teachings from the great monasteries of the region at that time.


Object details

Categories
Sculpture
Buddhism
Object type
Figure
TitleBodhisattva Padmapani (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Cast bronze with traces of gilding
Bronze
Cast
Brief description
Figure of Bodhisattva Padmapani, cast bronze with traces of of gilding, Tibet, 13th century.
Physical description
BODHISATTVA PADMAPANI: Bronze, Tibet, 13th century.
This elegant figure of the Bodhisattva displays the technical excellence of metal casting in 13th century Tibet. The double lotus base with pearl border is probably a later replacement dating from 16th-17th century.
Dimensions
  • Height: 73cm
  • Width: 20.3cm
Gallery label
  • The Bodhisattva Padmapani 1200–1300 In a period when Tibet was absorbing Buddhist teachings from the great Indian monasteries, it was also responding to stylistic influences. The coiffure, facial features and sinuous body of this figure can be traced back to north Indian prototypes. The high quality of the casting is characteristic of Tibetan metalwork in the 13th century. Bronze with traces of gilding Tibet Museum no. IM.156-1929 (14/06/2011)
  • BODHISATTVA PADMAPANI: Bronze, Tibet, 13th century. This elegant figure of the Bodhisattva display the technical excellence of metal casting in Tibet of the 13th century. The double lotus base with pearl border is probably a later replacement dating from 16th-17th century.(Room 47A, 2001)
Subject depicted
Buddhism
Summary
The high quality of metal casting in Tibet during the 13th century is demonstrated by this elegant figure. The style of the figure reveals the strong influence of north Indian models during the 11th to 13th centuries. This was linked to the absorption of Buddhist teachings from the great monasteries of the region at that time.
Bibliographic reference
Haworth-Booth, Mark; Indian Sculpture: A Travelling Exhibition, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 1971 No. 7
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
IM 156-1929

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Record createdAugust 21, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O166201/bodhisattva-padmapani-figure-unknown/
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