Sumatra: Four-Armed Avalokitesvara

INDONESIA, Sumatra

The seated Buddha on the figure’s headdress identifies the statue as Avalokitesvara. Thick plaits hang down to the shoulders. The figure once had four arms but the two originally at the front have broken at the elbow. The remaining left hand once held prayer beads, while the right hand holds a conch. A lotus stem and its bud creep along the arm of the missing hand on the right. The only ornament decorating the body is a sacred thread and a simple jeweled belt that secures the translucent skirt through which the shape of the knees can be seen. Though it is possible the statue was influenced by the art of the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century), the broad forehead and wide mouth are Central Javanese traits.