Potala Palace Red Palace Sakyamuni Shrine: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

This statue of Avalokitesvara is located on the west palace wall where a row of niches containing numerous statues are displayed. The main statue, Sakyamuni Buddha, is flanked by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, including Avalokitesvara. The figure stands upon a lotus pedestal with ribbons swirling down from an intricate jeweled headdress. A similar carved necklace is visible on the chest and an ornamental belt secures the lower garment. A stole arches about the body and through the crook of the left arm, falling to the ground behind the right arm. The stalk of a magnificently fashioned lotus is carried by the right hand as it forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The figure’s gaze is compassionate and composed as the left hand opens in varada (wish-granting) mudra.