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.