Potala Palace: Padmapani Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

The central figure of Padmapani wears earrings and a crown behind which the hair forms a conical usnisa with a pearl finial. There is jewelry round the neck, arms, and legs, and a turquoise-studded belt about the waist. The figure’s right hand is lowered in the varada (wish-granting) mudra, while the left hand is held palm downwards at hip level in a mudra. Avalokitesvara stands with feet apart on a lotus pedestal with both arms supporting lotus stalks that bloom at shoulder level. The two Bodhisattvas are Manjusri and Vajrapani, appear as small versions of the main statue but symmetrical opposites. Five Buddhas are seated on lotuses in the entwining stalk mandorla above and behind the primary figures. Reliefs of human figures riding an elephant and a horse are flanked by larger figures sitting at ease at the base of the pedestal.