Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Song dynasty

Sculpted with the hair elaborately arranged in fine, dense lines, the figure’s face is rounded with a slightly narrow forehead, a high, straight nose, and eyes that gaze downwards. These combinations form to give the Bodhisattva a sense of deep contemplation. The figure sits in a variation of the relaxation posture. The cloth of the skirt is ruffled and vividly sculpted, outlining the shape of the thighs. A few pieces of jewelry decorate the body, such as a necklace, armlets and bracelets. The right arm is supported on the right knee while the hand holds a sutra case. The rock on which the left hand should be resting is missing. Depictions of Avalokitesvara sitting at ease are especially characteristic of the Song dynasty (960–1279) and this work is considered a masterpiece of that time.