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Antique Indonesian Style Javanese Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Statue - 20.5cm/8"
Measures (Height) 20.5cm/8"
An Indonesian Javanese style Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.
Avalokiteshvara is the earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Buddha Amitabha. He guards the world in the interval between the departure of the historical Buddha, Gautama, and the appearance of the future buddha, Maitreya. Bodhisattva are beings who have gained enlightenment but postpone their ascension to nirvana to help others achieve the blessed state.
This fabulous sculpture depicts Lord Avalokiteshvara seated on a double lotus leaf pedestal. His right hand forms the Darma wheel, which, at its most basic, represents the study of the dharma, practice through meditation, and moral discipline. This hand gesture is known as the Dharmachakra mudra. The mudra represents the turning of the wheel and places the hands so that the thumbs and index fingers touch at the tips to form a wheel. This mudra symbolises one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. It therefore denotes the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom.
His upper left hand holds a lotus flower. This represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. Avalokiteshvara has a lovely malachite patina. His eyes are downcast, his compassionate face bestowing peace, blessings and inner serenity on his devotees.
Upon his head he wears a decorative Javanese style tiara in front of his Kirita-Makuta or tall conical crown. This symbolises control over Positive and Negative attitudes. In his elaborate crown is an image of the Buddha Amitabha.
Provenance: Ex- private Boston, MA, USA collection. All items are guaranteed to be as described. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases upon request.
Scholarly Reference:
New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Accession Number: 2004.259
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