Nepalese / Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara / Early Malla period, late 13th-early 14th century

Nepalese
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Early Malla period, late 13th-early 14th century
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Indian Sub-Continent; Nepalese
Creator Name-CRT: Nepalese
Title: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1267
Creation End Date: 1333
Creation Date: Early Malla period, late 13th-early 14th century
Creation Place: Nepal
Object Type: Sculpture
Materials and Techniques: Gilt copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
AMICA Contributor: Asia Society
Owner Location: New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 1979.051
Credit Line: Asia Society: The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection
Rights: http://www.asiasociety.org
Context: Historically, Nepal consisted of a much smaller region than the modern nation, which was formed during the 18th century, encompasses today. In included only the section known as the Kathmandu Valley and a few outlying areas. Nepali art was created by artists of Newari descent working within this limited geographic area, and for this reason exhibits a certain conservatism and consistency. Yet because of Nepal's critical location--linking north and east India with other nations of the Himalayas such as Tibet--there are also mutual influences between Nepali art and that of other styles found throughout the Himalayan region.

This image of Avalokiteshvara is an example of a common type for representing the popular bodhisattva in Nepali sculpture, and reflects the influence of Pala-period Indian conventions in Nepali art. Identified by the small seated figure of Buddha Amitabha in his crown, Avalokiteshvara holds a lotus in his left hand and makes the gesture of charity (varadamudra) with his right. The rigidity of his pose and exaggeration of his waist and thigh date this sculpture to the 13th or 14th century.

Related Document Description: Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 26.
Related Document Description: Huntington, John C. 'Three Essays on Himalayan Metal Images.' Apollo (November 1983), pp. 419-22.
AMICA ID: ASIA.1979.051
AMICA Library Year: 1998
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright, Asia Society

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