Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas

CHINA; Sui dynasty

The Bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, usually attend Amitabha Buddha as a triad of the Western Pure Land. The forearms of both the Bodhisattvas are missing. The faces are full and both have expressions of calm. Both figures have elongated earlobes. They wear elaborate headdresses and lavish jewelry that cascade down their chests and over their skirts. The complex piece made up of pearls and medallions that meets at the figure’s waist to be caught in the mouth of a creature’s head and then subdivides below is of particular interest. The creature’s head also supports an ornamental band that hangs down to the feet. Analysis of the pigmentation on the surface, the carving techniques and texture of the stone suggests the statues originated in Zhucheng, Shandong.