Naga King Paying Respect to Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits in a royal ease posture on a rock above the sea. The Bodhisattva has narrowed eyes, a thin mustache, and a small beard. A large nimbus surrounds the head. The long blue hair and ribbons from the headdress hang over the shoulders. Ornaments adorn the body. A blue inner robe crosses the left shoulder. A thin transparent cape and stole are draped around the arms. The right foot is visible beneath the long lower garment. The right hand rests on the raised right knee and holds prayer beads, while the left hand is placed on the ground. A vase containing a willow branch rests on a rock on the right. Billowing clouds are painted behind the Bodhisattva. A Heavenly King stands in the upper left corner. In the lower register, the Naga King, dressed in a red robe, rises from the sea and gazes reverently up at the Bodhisattva, lifting an official’s baton in his raised hands. The female figure behind the Naga King holds a jewel. In the bottom right corner, the elegantly dressed Sudhana joins his palms. Vivid, dark colors and fine details lend a mystical atmosphere to the scene.