This
is 19th century gilded Tibetan bronze is beautiful and unusual rendition of the
four-armed Tibetan tantric Buddhist bodhisattva Avolokiteshvara-Chenrezig. This
is a deeply contemplative statue that renders the still, vibrant compassion inner
state of realized boddhicitta into an elegantly articulated form. Chenrezig is
considered the patron bodhisattva of Tibet. The Dalai Lamas and Karmapas are believed
to be emanations of Avolokiteshvara.
This Chenrezig is beautifully seated in the padmasana position; his sumptuously
shaped feet with gracefully upturned, articulated soles are poised towards the
sky. Side views reveal a level of detail that rendered this statue almost human,
a wonderful tension to the depth of contemplation communicated here in gaze and
posture. The hands hold the traditional accouterments associated with the deity.
Gaze at his left hand and see a (padma) or a lotus. In the right hand is a beautiful
Buddhist japamala or rosary. The front two hands are clasped in prayer. Chenrezig
is often shown holding a luminous wish-fulfilling gem in these front hands. Instead,
has the hands gracefully folded as if to indicate the eternal presence of the
jewel. There are detailed precious stones (coral and turquoise) carefully placed
at the third-eye and at key points of the statue, accenting the fine details on
the deity’s finally draped vestments.
On
the crown is the Buddha Amithaba, the Buddha of Boundless light. Avolokiteshvara
is an earthly emanation of this Buddha Amithaba. The patina shows the passage
of time and adds gravitas to this exceptional Tibetan bronze. (SD)
