Apeyadana Temple: Bodhisattva

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan

This Bodhisattva image is painted on the upper left side of the outer wall of the corridor surrounding the main chamber of Apeyadana Temple. There are many other similar images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings painted on the walls of the temple. The round-faced Bodhsiattva has a white nimbus and wears a headdress, spiral shaped earrings, a white upper garment, and a dhoti. Standing in tribhanga posture on a white lotus pedestal, the Bodhisattva holds a sword in the left hand and a rope in the right. Long-stemmed lotus flowers rise up from both sides of the lotus throne. The white highlights on the Bodhisattva stand out against the dark red-brown background, resulting in a vivid image characteristic of Bagan Empire (circa 849–1287) art.