Important Notice

BIHAR, CIRCA 9TH CENTURY
Phyllite
13.5 in (34.2 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Kolkata


Padmapani is seated on a lotus in the sukhasana, and is identified by the lotus to his left. He is adorned by necklaces and earrings and wears a sacred cord. The trefoil arched niche which frames him is formed by the scrolling plumage of two swans (hamsas) atop columns on either side. The hamsa is a symbol of knowledge and purity.

"The Bodhisattva Padmapani is another name for the Bodhisattva Avalokite'vara. The Bodhisattva Avalokite'vara was the head of padma-kula and his name was given because of the lotus (padma) held in his hands. In Gandhara, there are many Bodhisattvas that hold this lotus (open or closed) or kusuma-mala (garland or floral ornament). Currently they are considered to be the Bodhisattva Padmapani, in other words the Bodhisattva Avalokite'vara. The lotus is often held in the left hand." (Kurita, Gandharan Art II, p. 321)

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