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Padmapani Statue

  • Country: Nepal
  • Source: Field Collected Delphi from Family Alter in Tibet
  • Size (cm): 17
  • Material: Silver

Padmapani or “Lotus-Bearer” is one of the more common epithets of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. This superbly modeled sculpture stands in a tribhanga or thrice-bent pose. The right hand makes the gesture of giving while the left signifies teaching. Padmapani is identified by the lotus flower resting on his left shoulder. The more restrained modeling of earlier Nepalese bronzes has here given way to a more baroque treatment. The suave, subtly articulated planes of the body contrast with the more intricately modeled jewelry and pleats of the dhoti. His broad face with elongated eyes and eyebrows and small mouth is similarly stylized.

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