Okadera Temple Main Hall: Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara

JAPAN, Nara, Takaichi; Nara period

Parts of the sculpture is dated from the second half of the 8th century. It is thought that the clay figure was originally different because only the head remained while the present body was a later addition. The sculpture was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1901.
Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara is seated in half lotus position, with the disproportionate right hand in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and the left in varada (wish-granting) mudra. The hair is tied up in an elaborate topknot and beneath it is a colored urna. The broad features and high-arched brows are characteristic features of Nara period (710–794) sculptures. The stone base, wooden nimbus and aureole are also considered to be original pieces from that time. However, the apsaras painted on the aureole were rare subjects during the Nara period and may be later additions.