Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Sui dynasty

This statue is typical of the Shanxi and Hebei regions during the Sui dynasty (581–618). Artistic features from the Xiangtangshan Grottoe of Hebei are reflected in the necklace, armlets, crown, long face, high nose bridge, and distinctive curving eyebrows. The figure is slim and composed with a dignified manner and well-defined facial features. The right hand is missing, while the left palm is angled in a downward gesture. Avalokitesvara wears a lavishly engraved openwork crown with a central Buddha image, and a round nimbus encircles. Decorative ribbons hang to the shoulders from the crown, aligning with the draped clothing and jewelry on both sides of the chest. A string bead ornament suspended from the neck and fastened at the waist by a buckle in the form of a monster mask is carried down in a sophisticated set of ornaments that hang over the skirt.