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Longing for London (80)
The bodhissattva Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist Lord of Compassion. He is a bodhissattva , an enlightened being who has selflessly chosen to remain in the earthly realm to help others attain spiritual liberation. In Tibet, the Dalai Lama is believed to be his incarnation. Here, Avalokiteshvara's right hand is the varadamudra gesture of charity. His left hand is empty but may have held a lotus stalk, a symbol of purity. The figure was made in gilded bronze in several pieces - rivets above the waist and above the elbows hold it together. Judging by the fine quality of the metalwork it was probably made by Newar craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley whose skills were in great demand across Nepal, Tibet and China.
Longing for London (80)
The bodhissattva Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist Lord of Compassion. He is a bodhissattva , an enlightened being who has selflessly chosen to remain in the earthly realm to help others attain spiritual liberation. In Tibet, the Dalai Lama is believed to be his incarnation. Here, Avalokiteshvara's right hand is the varadamudra gesture of charity. His left hand is empty but may have held a lotus stalk, a symbol of purity. The figure was made in gilded bronze in several pieces - rivets above the waist and above the elbows hold it together. Judging by the fine quality of the metalwork it was probably made by Newar craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley whose skills were in great demand across Nepal, Tibet and China.