This small sculpture shows the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in an artistic convention that developed in the northern Himalayan regions now within Pakistan’s borders. Buddhism flourished in that area during the seventh and eighth centuries and the arts and artisans who created art in various mediums were renowned in neighboring regions. Some of these artists are said to have later traveled to Tibet, whose royalty newly encountered Buddhism and were beginning to embrace Buddhist culture. In general Tibetans greatly treasured ancient images from India, and they are often recorded in monastic registries as objects that are passed down from master to disciple or as specially venerated images for which the monastery may even be famous. Sometimes Tibetan artists would reproduce the older Indian models by making a mold of them and then recasting. This sculpture has a Tibetan inscription on its base stating that it’s the thirty-fifth, possibly implying it is part of a set or a collection, and that the deity portrayed is Chenrezig, the Tibetan name for Avalokiteshvara.

Artwork Details

Title
Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
Dimensions
5 × 3 5/8 × 2 3/8 in.
Medium
Brass
Origin
Swat region (present day Pakistan)
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
ca. 9th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2005.16.2
HAR Number
65424
Published references
* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014. Pp. 248-249

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Compassion

Concepts

The cultivation of a strong aspiration to help sentient beings overcome suffering. In Buddhist Mahayana teaching, compassion is the seed for attaining full enlightenment.  

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Devotion

Concepts

A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.

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Bodhisattvas

Figure Type

Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.

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Kashmir/Western Himalayas

Region

From the 8th to 13th century, Kashmir was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, arts, and culture. This fertile valley was a major source of artistic production for the western Himalayan kingdoms, which spanned parts of northern India and the Ngari region of western Tibet.

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