Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Eastern Wei dynasty

Avalokitesvara stands on a pedestal that is supported on a four-legged stand with a decorative band at the top. The figure has a high topknot and a wide ceremonial headdress with ribbons hanging to the shoulders. The Bodhisattva is clothed in a voluminous robe, the edges of which flare out below the waist. The right hand is raised to chest level while the left holds a vase. The mandorla is shaped like a lotus petal and is engraved with whorled patterns that represent flames. An inscription on the statue states it was presented in 542 by the monk Dao’en for the welfare of the emperor and his parents from the past seven lives, in the hope that they and all sentient beings might attain Buddhahood.