Artwork Page for Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara)

Details / Information for Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara)

Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara)

觀音菩薩

1647–48 or 1658
Culture
Tibet
Medium
ivory
Measurements
Overall: 29.2 cm (11 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Description

Choying Dorje was one of the most influential monastic leaders in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. Known as the Tenth Karmapa, he was the head of the Karma Kagyu order of monks. His biographies state that from a young age he had a talent and passion for carving and painting images of bodhisattvas and other enlightened beings. Several of his original works survive, including this exceptionally rare ivory carving of Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus. Stylistically it is related to images from southwestern China, where he stayed in exile from 1647 to 1648 in the wake of Mongol invasions that destroyed many Kagyu monasteries in Tibet. While there he was exposed to Chinese art, which was favored by his patrons. The face has the distinctive elongation unique to Dorje's personal style. This sculpture could have been made during his time of exile or a decade later after his return to Tibet.
A cream-colored ivory sculpture depicts Avalokiteshvara standing forward with a faint smile, hair tinted blue and swept into a high headdress featuring a miniature seated figure. He wears elaborate beaded necklaces over a bare chest and a textured skirt. His left hand holds a large lotus, while his right hangs open. Beside his feet, a tiny figure holding a vessel kneels on a lotus base. Fine vertical cracks striate the surface.

Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara)

1647–48 or 1658

Choying Dorje, the Tenth Black Hat Karmapa

(Tibetan, 1604–1674)
Tibet

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