Not currently on display at the V&A

The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara

Figure
8th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Thailand (made)

Bronze standing figure depicting Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.


Object details

Categories
Images Online
Buddhism
SCRAN
Object type
Figure
TitleThe Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Bronze
Brief description
Bronze standing figure depicting the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Thai, 8th century.
Physical description
Bronze standing figure depicting Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Dimensions
  • Height: 17cm
Object history
Bought from Mr. A. Biancardi (Wolmore Collection). This standing figure of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara would have formed part of a Buddhist triad, with an image of the Buddha flanked by two attending boshisattvas. The presence of a seated buddha (Amitabha) in the headdress identifies this figure as the Lord of Compassion, Avalokitesvara; he would be accompanied by the bodhisattva Maitreya. The treatment of the figure, together with the use of a dark metal, suggests that this image was cast in the Thai peninsular, probably in the region of the Isthmus of Kra. This style is associated with the Srivijaya kingdom, a maritime state which prospered in the region in the 7th to 10th centurie, and which had close links with the Sailendra rulers of Java.
Production
Srivijaya Style
Subject depicted
Buddhist
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
IS.30-1988

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Record createdOctober 31, 2002
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O68992/the-bodhisattva-avalokitesvara-figure-unknown/
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