Chest

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Rectangular in shape, the chest is divided into sections. The bottom is missing, and the hinged lid has a depiction of a three-headed, multi-armed Avalokitesvara with a topknot and a crown. The Bodhisattva sits on a lotus throne with two arms held in the dhyana (meditation) mudra and two others raised to head level. The other arms extend outward and hold lotuses. At the bottom on each side of the lotus throne, there is a guardian lion. The sides feature a representation of Mount Potalaka. Flanking the Bodhisattva are two standing attendants wearing stoles; they are thought to be Taras. Two reclining Buddhas appear on each longer side of the lid, and an apsara on each shorter side. The four corners have mythical creatures.
Pierced scrolling vines fill the four sides of the chest. The central image in the front features a figure of Bhairava, who has trapped two evil spirits. On the back is Durga, flanked by a skeleton and a female and apsaras at the corners.