Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva who personifies the compassion of all the buddhas, is known as Chenrezig in Tibetan. Seated in the posture of royal ease, with one leg pendant and one bent, he holds the stem of a lotus bud. The graceful tilt of the head with its high hairstyle, the relaxed posture with his half-extended leg supported by a swooned flower footrest creates a curved shape and sense of flowing movement similar to the triple-bend posture of standing sculptures. The inlaid eyes and tuft of hair between (urna), subtle smile, exquisite details of the knotted belt, incised lower garment (dhoti), and modeling of the body testify to the mastery of the sculptor, who closely followed Indian conventions.