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Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara
Thailand, Prasat Hin Khao Plai Bat II cache site, 700s
bronze, 21 inches (53.3 cm) high
Funds from the Marion G. Hendrie Endowment Trust, Jan and Frederick Mayer, Barbara Mack McKay, Jane B. McCotter, Edith M. Daley, JRH-1 1982 Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Bowers Holt, Tweet Kimball, Walabis, Dr. and Mrs. Marshall A. Freedman, Bombay Club Benefit, Lisle L. Bradley, James Mills, Mr. and Mrs. Yale H. Lewis, Margaret F. Polak, Dr. and Mrs. John A. Fleming, Elizabeth B. Labrot, Asian Art Association, and the Pan-Asian Collection Fund
1983.14

The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the hair of this image identifies it as Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. Usually, bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara wear elaborate jewelry and crowns, but those found at the Prasat Hin Khao Plai Bat II cache site in northeast Thailand appear with short garments wrapped around the waist, in contrast to Buddhas, who are shown in long robes that cover the entire body.


To Southeast Asia