Sculpture
Category
Brassware
Date
1900
Materials
gilt & bronze
Measurements
135 x 100 x 55 mm
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107495
Summary
A Nepalese bronze and gilt statue of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. A bodhisattva is someone who has reached enlightenment, but who stays on earth to save all beings from suffering. The Dalai Lama is the living reincarnation of Avalokitesvara. There are thirty-three different forms of Avalokitesvara, the simplist is the representation of him holding a lotus flower, which can be seen in this sculpture. 'A Nepalese bronze standing figure of Avaloketesvara' (Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Marks and inscriptions
Inscription in Nepalese/Sanskrit on the back of the mandorla and the base of the sculpture