Not currently on display at the V&A

The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara

Sculpture
early 9th century (made)

Gilt bronze (base restored), Central Java, Indonesia


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleThe Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gilt Bronze
Brief description
Gilt bronze (base restored), Central Java, Indonesia
Historical context
The essential quality of Avalokitesvara is compassion (mahakaruna), and this unusual form of the deity, seated in royal ease with his inclined head supported by one of his four hands, expresses this aspect beautifully. His other attributes include a rosary, a jewel and a book. This form of Avalokitesvara occurs often in Javanese art of this period, although it is relatively scarce in Mahayanist Buddhist art in India.
Production
Central Java, Indonesia
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
459(IS)

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Record createdFebruary 14, 2000
Record URL
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