An impressive standing figure of Bodhisattva Padmapani, a form of Avalokiteshvara, the god of compassion and mercy, seen in tribhanga pose, eyes gazing downward to discover the sufferings of sentient beings everywhere. He is adorned with large earrings, necklaces, armbands, bracelets and anklets and wears a thin dhoti that is chased with floral and foliate patterns. His sash is tied at either side of his hips, with points of fabric standing out from the figure, echoed by flame-like tendrils that stand out from the figure’s shoulders.

This large figure is aglow with copper tones of gold to pink and dark reddish bronze. The features of the face and other details have been delicately limned and the whole has a gentle quality, with its beckoning gesture of compassion and its willowy approachable figure. In his right hand Padmapani holds the fly whisk, said to be correctly made from a deer’s tail in Tibet from that of a Tibetan ox. The whisk symbolizes obedience to the Law, particularly the observance of the precept of “not hurting.” In the hands of Padmapani the whisk symbolizes the compassion of the divinity, for by its use he avoids hurting even the smallest and most insignificant of creatures.