Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The sculpture is a fine example of a wooden form of Avalokitesvara from the Qing dynasty. The figure is depicted conventionally with a high topknot fronted by an image of Amitabha and covered by a hood. Seated on the floor in the posture of royal ease, the figure has the left hand on the ground for support, while the right hand holds some prayer beads. A necklace is the only decoration over the bare chest. The external garment drapes downwards in a natural way, demonstrating the delicacy of the fabric. The hems of the skirt cover the ankles but reveals the bare feet. This was permissible for Han women of the period, but not for Manchu women, and underlines devotion to a specifically Chinese icon at a time of Manchu dominance.