Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara)

A slender ivory figure stands on a small plinth, adorned with beaded necklaces, armbands, and a jeweled waist sash. Its head is crowned with a tall tiara with traces of blue pigment, and it holds a lotus bud at shoulder height while the free hand hangs open at its side. A tiny seated figure rests on a lotus base beside the feet.

Look closer: A tiny seated figure rests on a lotus base beside the feet.

Artist

Choying Dorje, the Tenth Black Hat Karmapa

Date

1647–48 or 1658

Medium

ivory

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

2362 × 3400 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Sundry Purchase Fund