Wutaishan Jinge Temple Great Compassion Hall: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Ming dynasty

The statue is the largest on Wutaishan, whose hall had its ceiling raised to fit it. It was originally made of copper alloy but during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) it was covered with a thin layer of plaster and gilded. The figure wears a high, openwork crown and numerous stoles that drape from the shoulders. The upper body has been broadened to accommodate the forty-two arms, each holding Dharma instruments, although several are now missing. The two hands at the front are in anjali (reverence) mudra and has a large lotus decoration positioned right below them.