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1. Eleven headed thousand armed Avalokitesvara Tibeto-Chinese 18th century |
Avalokitesvara is arguably the most popular Bodhisattva and is the embodiment of the Buddhist concept of compassion. The name Avalokitesvara means literally 'The Lord Who Looks Down' [on the world]. As such, he listens to the pleas of those who call on his name and offers them succour. This eighteenth century Ching dynasty, Tibeto-Chinese sculpture represents him in his eleven headed thousand armed form. The sculpture was formerly gilded, traces of which remain. The base sealing plate has been lost and replaced with a modern copper one. Detail: alternate view Detail: close-up view |