Sanchi Stupa 1: Fragment of a Bodhisattva
Sandstone
Sanchi Stupa 1: Fragment of a Bodhisattva
INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi
The sculpture was unearthed from Sanchi Stupa 1 in 1883 and its identity remained uncertain. It was not until 1971 that a companion piece was discovered from the same place. The presence of a dragon flower tree led archaeologists to determine that the second image was Maitreya, and that this piece is Avalokitesvara. The two are commonly found as the Bodhisattva attendants in a Buddha triad. The antelope skin worn by this figure confirms his identity as Avalokitesvara.
The broken figure stands in the tribhanga posture. An elaborate collar necklace is about the neck, while the antelope skin is tied with two knots diagonally across the chest signifying harmlessness. This is a common attribute of the Bodhisattva. A double belt secures the skirt beneath the waist.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture N-Sr, page 948.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Lovelock, Yann and Chou, Yuan and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture N-Sr},
pages = 948,
title = {{Sanchi Stupa 1: Fragment of a Bodhisattva}},
volume = 12,
year = {2016}}