The bodhisattva Avolokiteshvara is central to Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as Chenrezig, Avolokiteshvara manifests as seven distinct manifestations including Sahasrabhujasahasranetra the thousand hand and thousand-eye deity shown here. Taking the vow to never rest until he has freed all sentient beings from samsara, Avalokitesvara’s head erupts open into eleven pieces and a thousand arms to answer the cry. Amitabha Buddha, seeing his plight, gives him eleven heads with which to hear the cries of the suffering. It is said that Avolokiteshvara will take any form necessary to make this happen: priest, mother, tree or beloved or enemy.

This 19th century Tibetan copper alloy bronze is magnificent. Framed by an elegant alembic shaped nimbus that sets the stage for the play of a thousand forms. At the center is an eloquent depiction of the bodhisattva: his two hands elegantly placed together in universal reverence, face slightly bowed is deeply peaceful and beatific. From the main body eight elegant arms extend, each holding key icons (noose, lotuses, mala, vase of immortality, bow and arrow, the final hand is in the charity mudra. From these eight arms there is another fanning out of arms on either side with each arm beautifully and realistically rendered. These arms are then echoed out in the statue a resonant field that indicates the thousand arms of the bodhisattva. The edges of both the outer and inner nimbus, is defined by a sumptuous floral design. Avolokiteshvara’s face is in triplicate at each of the five levels ever flowering diadem except for the top that is classical rendition of Amitabha, Buddha of infinite light. To be noted is the exceptional beauty and detail of each of the faces an exquisite blend of human form and divine emanation. The resonant echo, of the replication of form, is found in each level of the diadem as well. Look at the crown of each beautifully shaped head and you have the sense that they too might explode with more forms. Every aspect of this deity communicates a fine artistry and eye for detail. Avolokiteshvara wears an elegant belt around the waist, sumptuous earrings, ornate multi-strand necklace and defined bracelets. There is a most graceful sway of cloth that covers his hips. The base of the statue is progressional, with three rectangular steps supporting an oval lotus base. (SD)