Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas - Avalokitesvara
Gilt copper alloy
Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas - Mahasthamaprapta
Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas
KOREA; Goryeo dynasty
Both Bodhisattvas wear heavy necklaces and ornate jewelry over skirts that reach to their feet. The jewelry design was popular during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and was passed to the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Their hands are in the lotus mudra. Avalokitesvara’s crown is missing, leaving only the high topknot. The topknot is a style seen in China during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). The large gap and placement of the left hand suggest that the figure was holding a vase. Mahasthamaprapta has retained the ornate crown and decorated in a style similar to the jewelry.
The style and techniques used are dated to 1330; in addition, the artifacts found within the figures are dated to 1333. This is further verification of that date.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture A-F, page 61.
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 A-F},
pages = 61,
title = {{Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas}},
volume = 10,
year = {2016}}