Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Qing dynasty

In this unique painting by Hua Yan, Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara sits on a lotus throne supported by clouds. The Bodhisattva has a long, narrow face, a rounded chin, and lowered eyes. A third eye is painted in the middle of the forehead. The unusually long hair hangs down beside the lotus throne. Clad in a simple blue and red upper garment, the Bodhisattva joins one pair of hands in front of the chest. The other hands hold objects including a sun disc, moon disc, vase, palm leaf, willow branch, and vajra. Uniquely, the crown of the Bodhisattva, adorned with flowers and topped with a large Buddha image, is held up above the head. One hand with an eye in the center of the palm is extended downwards. A thin trail of smoke extends from the eye to a kneeling figure in a red robe in the lower left corner. Bright colors are applied sparingly, highlighting individual details.