Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty

An inscription engraved on the right of the lotus pedestal states this figure, known as the Yongle Bronze Statue, was created under order of Emperor Yongle (reigned 1402–1424) between the years 1403 and 1424. It was a gift to Deshin Shekpa, the 5th Gyalwa Karmapa (1384–1415), when he visited the court at Nanjing. The sculpture is of exceptional quality due to its having been made by the palace.
The body of the figure is slightly twisted while seated in the relaxation posture, the curvature of the body emphasized by the tapering waist and the raised left hip. The Bodhisattva wears a five-leaf crown that has ribbons on both sides, as well as, earrings and other ornaments such as a necklace, armlets, bangles, and anklets. Two lotuses grow at shoulder height, one withered, and one blossoming, but buds accompany both. These are symbolic of the three times the past, present and future. The left hand of the Bodhisattva touches one lotus gently while the right hand rests on the lotus pedestal and gently clasps a lotus stem. The Bodhisattva wears loose fitting trousers and a decorative sash.