Physical description
Image of 8-armed Avalokitesvara standing on a circular lotus pedestal. He is wearing an elaborate pointed and tiered crown inlaid with turquoise and coral from which ribbons and pendants extend. The crown is tied behind the head with ribbons. The upper right hand holds prayer beads in a figure of eight shape, the arm below holds a rope noose, another arm is held in front of the chest with the palm facing forwards with the fingers extending upwards in a gesture of abhayamudra (reassurance and protection from fear), the fourth arm is held palm facing forwards with the fingers down in a gesture of varadamudra (giving blessings). The top left arm holds a small book, another holds a trident and another the stem of a lotus flower. The lower left arm holds an image of Amitabha (?) in front of the body. Each arm is decorated with armbands and bracelets and the figure wears a long bead necklace, ribbons and a collar inset with a single turquoise bead. A band decorated with swastikas is draped across the shoulders. Below the knees the hatched decorative border and folds of the dhoti can be seen. Two metal pegs extend from the soles of the feet which fit into the pedestal base.
Descriptive line
Figure, standing image of 8-armed Avalokitesvara, gilt copper alloy, Nepal, 20th century.
Details
- Title : 8-Armed Avalokitesvara
- Year : 20th century (made)
- Classification : Figure/ Sculpture
- Medium : Gilt copper inlaid with turquoise and coral
- Dimension : Height: 14 cm, Width: 10 cm, Depth: 5 cm At base
- Accession No : IS.129:1, 2-2009
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Buddhism
- Collection : Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
- Credit Line : Bequeathed by Susan Brinkworth
- Status : In Storage