Standing Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Unknown Artist
late 8th–early 9th century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); D. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
Indonesia (Sumatra)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Jeffrey B. Soref, 1985
Accession Number
1985.401
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze sculpture depicts Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, standing gracefully in a serene pose. Crafted by an unknown artist in Sumatra, Indonesia, during the late 8th to early 9th century, it hails from the height of the Srivijaya kingdom—a powerful maritime empire that flourished as a center of Mahayana Buddhism. At just over 7 inches tall, this intimate figure was likely created for personal devotion or portable worship, reflecting the widespread influence of Buddhist art across Southeast Asian trade routes. The bronze medium highlights advanced metal...