Detail View: The AMICA Library: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
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AMICA ID:
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ASIA.1979.051
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AMICA Library Year:
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1998
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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Asian; Indian Sub-Continent; Nepalese
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Nepalese
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Title:
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Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
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View:
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Full view
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Creation Date:
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Early Malla period, late 13th-early 14th century
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Creation Start Date:
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1267
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Creation End Date:
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1333
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Materials and Techniques:
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Gilt copper alloy
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Creation Place:
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Nepal
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Dimensions:
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H. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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Asia Society
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York, USA
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ID Number:
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1979.051
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Credit Line:
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Asia Society: The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection
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Rights:
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Context:
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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. |
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Related Document Description:
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Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 26.
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Related Document Description:
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Huntington, John C. 'Three Essays on Himalayan Metal Images.' Apollo (November 1983), pp. 419-22.
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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ASIA.1979.051.a.tif
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