Tsatsa with Eleven-Headed, Six-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

The image on this triangular tsatsa is that of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with eleven heads and six arms. The three faces on the bottom of the five tiers appear tranquil with long eyebrows and big eyes. They wear flowery earrings and jeweled crowns. The two tiers of faces above appear ferocious with angry-looking eyes and open mouths. The single face above looks fierce, intimidating, and imposing, while the topmost face belongs to a Buddha.
Avalokitesvara has a bare upper body adorned with a necklace, bangles, and armlets. Adorned in a lower garment, the Bodhisattva sits with legs crossed on a lotus throne. The right main arm holds chanting beads, while the other right hands are forming mudras. The left main hand is placed at the abdomen, while the other left hands hold a lotus and a trident. A nimbus behind is outlined with a series of beads. Mantras written in Sanskrit decorate the edges of the tsatsa.