Nine-Headed Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Tang dynasty

Avalokitesvara stands on a double lotus pedestal holding a vase in the left hand, while prayer beads are wound around the right wrist. The rest of the Bodhisattva’s heads encircle the crown, including two compassionate faces located on either side, two wrathful faces on one side and two fanged faces on the other. There is a joyful face at the back, while a Buddha head is located at the top. The crown is fronted with an image of a seated Buddha in an arched niche. Ribbons hang from the crown down the length of the body. A graduated series of body ornaments decorated with rosettes cover the bared chest and continue down to link with other ornaments that hang from the belt, which secures the skirt.
The statue was made in China early in the 8th century and was brought to Japan in 719 according to the Horyuji Temple records. It is thought to be the oldest sandalwood statue still in existence in Japan. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1955.