1920s Seated Bronze Bodhisattva

Description

The Bronze Bodhisattva is seated upright in a lotus position or padmasana, a meditation pose on a base. The hands … more The Bronze Bodhisattva is seated upright in a lotus position or padmasana, a meditation pose on a base. The hands are in a Varana Mudra, the boon granting mudra. Mudras are prescribed hand and finger gestures that carry meaning in Buddhist sculptures. The reason why this Bodhisattva is not described as a Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion is because there is no image of Buddha on the elaborate headress. The style of the Bodhisattva can be described as Ming, with the squarish face. Every detail is done according to iconography prescribed for a bodhisattva, from the princely dhoti, to the jewelry, hair arrangements, down to the drapery patterns on the body. The facial features are well defined, as well as the hair design. The casting is well executed and the Bodhisattva exudes benevolence. less