Figurine of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is depicted sitting on a lion which is crouching on a lotus pedestal. The Bodhisattva wears a crown with an image of Amitabha Buddha on the central prong. Ribbons hang down from the crown to the shoulders. The Bodhisattva has downcast eyes, a long nose, small mouth, and large earlobes. The chest and waist are decorated with heavy ornaments. There is a stole around the shoulders and arms, and the lower body is clothed in a dhoti. Avalokitesvara sits in royal ease with her right foot resting on the lion’s neck. The right hand rests on the right knee and the left hand is laid on the lion support. The lion has protruding eyes, a short snout, and a large mouth.