Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Tang dynasty

Only the upper torso remains of this Bodhisattva. The ten additional heads above the main one are arranged in pyramidal style. There are six in the bottom tier with three above and a single one acting as finial. These heads mix a few benign expressions in the bottom row with a majority of fierce and demonic faces above. The main head inclines to one side and long hair falls over the shoulders from beneath the headpiece. The bared torso is partly covered by a diaphanous stole falling diagonally from the left shoulder, its simplicity contrasting with the regal jewelry around the neck. The dimensions of this bust suggest the whole statue was a work of considerable size.