Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Song dynasty

This large wooden Bodhisattva sits in full lotus posture, with the right hand most likely held in the lotus mudra, while the left hand rests on the upturned sole of the right foot. The urna is notably high and the eyes gaze down benevolently. Two braids of hair fall to the shoulders from a headdress that is mounted with a seated Amitabha. The Bodhisattva’s necklace is set with a red stone, as are the earrings. A stole drapes over the shoulders and arms. The long skirt beneath is vividly portrayed with drapery flowing naturally with the curvature of the robust body. The accurate proportions and the fineness of the carving are of a relatively high standard for a wooden sculpture.