Rinnoji Temple: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

JAPAN, Tochigi, Nikko; Heian period

This work from the 12th century was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1959.
Both the seated Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the mandorla were cast as one unit. A throne was originally attached under the figure but is now missing.
Avalokitesvara has a round face, which is characteristic of Heian works, and there is a row of Buddhas on the crown. The eight hands at the front are performing different gestures, such as joining palms, raised, or in the dhyana (meditation) mudra. On either side of the Bodhisattva, there are 15 hands stretching outwards and holding Dharma instruments.
Traces of silver can be seen on the nimbus, aureole, and mandorla, which has chrysanthemum and foliage patterns.