Bihar: Simhanada Avalokitesvara

INDIA, Bihar

This sculpture was excavated from Bihar and depicts Avalokitesvara with a tall ornate headdress and a horseshoe-shape nimbus. Incised lines highlight the facial features and the third eye is especially prominent. The upper body is bare, except for a few locks of hair, a thin stole, and a pearl-encrusted sacred thread. A highly decorated dhoti covers the lower body. Seen protruding from the lotus on the right side is a dagger, while a vajra with a snake twisted around it is on the left. Avalokitesvara sits at ease on a cushion upon the back of a stylized lion, which looks up at the Bodhisattva.
The edges of the mandorla are adorned with flames and Five Dhyani Buddhas line the top. A devotee holding an offering is visible at the bottom center of the base. It is believed that this figure is the donor.