Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara

The figure represents the Buddhist Lord of Compassion, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in his popular manifestation as Padmapani, the lotus-bearer. The Bodhisattva’s right hand is lowered in the gesture of granting wishes ('varadamudra'). His left is ready to support the stem of the lotus ('padma'), but this is now missing.

Newar craftsmen made this finely jewelled image for Tibetan patrons, probably in Shigatse, southern Tibet, where it was acquired. It exemplifies the long tradition, beginning in the 7th century AD, of Newar craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley working for Tibetan patrons in Tibet itself.

Bodhisattva Padmapani
Nepal
Late 14th-early 15th century, Malla period
Gilt copper inlaid with precious & semi-precious stones, ht. 93 cm
V&A IM.239-1922

The Buddhist lord of compassion, Avalokitesvara, is represented in his popular manifestation as Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer. Padmapani is one of the Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who voluntarily postpone passing into nirvana in order to help others gain salvation. The concept of the Bodhisattva was developed in the Mahayanist school of Buddhist thought and gained enormous popularity in the Himalayas and the greater Asian world. The stillness and serenity of this figure speaks of the state of harmony to which the Bodhisattva aspires, while the flexed and sensuous links him to the human world. The Bodhisattva’s right hand is lowered in the gesture of granting wishes (varadamudra). His left hand is poised to support the stem of the lotus (padma), but this is now missing. The figure is richly adorned with jewellery detailing inset with precious and semi-precious stones. He wears a five-pointed diadem surrounding his elaborate raised hair (jatamukuta) which is surmounted by a small image of the Buddha Amitabha, of whom Avalokitesvara Padmapani is seen as an emanation.

Newar craftsmen made this finely jewelled image for Tibetan patrons, probably in Shigatse, central Tibet, where it was acquired. It exemplifies the long tradition, beginning in the 7th century CE, of Newar craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley working for Tibetan patrons in Tibet. This masterpiece of Newari metal-casting was acquired by Brigadier-General C.G. Rawlings at Shigatse in 1904, whilst en route to Lhasa as part of the British Younghusband expedition. It is recorded that several members of the expedition acquired examples of ‘Lamaist’ art in the course of this journey.