Maijishan Grotto 43: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Song dynasty

This statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is one of two Bodhisattvas attending the Amitabha Buddha on the back wall of the front chamber. Avalokitesvara stands on the right and Mahasthaprapta Bodhisattva stands on the left.
The damaged head of Avalokitesvara tilts slightly to one side. Originally, Avalokitesvara is likely to have worn a headdress. Around the Bodhisattva’s top collar is a round sash. A tightly wrapped gauze upper garment covers the chest and a dhoti is worn below the waist. Avalokitesvara’s left hand is raised to chest level and the right hand hangs naturally by the side of the body. Both hands are damaged. The realistically textured arms are in good condition with the upper arms encircled with orange bands. The meticulously decorated ornaments that adorn Avalokitesvara are carved in a clear, natural, and low relief fashion. Traces of Ming dynasty (1368–1644) restoration are evident in the upper body.