Swat: Padmapani Avalokitesvara

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat

This relief depicts a form of Avalokitesvara whose distinctive attribute is a lotus. The stylized flower is carried in the left hand and the right is extended over the knee in the varada (wish-granting) mudra. The slim-waisted figure sits in full lotus position on a lotus seat that is characteristic of sculptures from Swat. The upper body is bared, and the folds of the skirt are simply carved. The Bodhisattva’s headdress has an image of Amitabha Buddha in front. The hair is in ringlets and tumbles to the shoulders below the headdress. The eyes are lowered in the tranquil face and there is an urna in mid-forehead. The figure wears a necklace, as well as armlets and bracelets.