Standing Bodhisattva

NEPAL

The elegant Bodhisattva has crinkled hair built into an elevated topknot and held in place by a petal-shaped headdress. Hair cascades over the shoulders behind the topknot. The upper body is bare and adorned with only a necklace and bracelets. There are floral ear ornaments in addition to the other jewelry, the pattern of which is also on the belt that secures the skirt. The garment’s presence is only indicated by the ruffled pleats between the legs, which is characteristic of Licchavi (circa 300–879) statues. A sash is draped across the hip and tied at the left thigh with a hanging loop. A lotus bud is in the left hand, while the right hand originally held a fruit that is now missing. The bent left leg gives a sinuous twist to the waist. The facial features display Chinese Tang (618–907) and Liao (907–1125) styles, suggesting a Chinese residing in Nepal could have sculpted the work.