English
Silk Road Collection
East Asia

Statue of Avalokitesvara in a Standing Position

  • East Asia
  • China
  • The 6th century AD
  • The Sui Dynasty
  • limestone
  • 116.0cm in height

The Bosatsu standing statue is carved from a single stone from the head to the lotus. Although it is missing both hands, it is believed to be a Kannon Bosatsu due to the layers of jewlery, gorgeous coronet, and ornaments on its body. On the front of the arm there are slight remnants of coloring and gold foil. [CR] This statue has distinctively Indian characteristics; it has firm cheeks, arching eyebrow, puffy eyelids, and protruding lips. It is reminiscent of a Buddha statue of the Gupta empire, particularly due to the hairline center pointed down, the exposed nipples, and the circular ornament of the coronet connected by goban. It has a slim figure, and at first sight it seems to be standing upright. However, the waist is slightly twisted to the right.