Standing Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Unknown Artist
8th–early 9th century
Medium
Bronze inlaid with obsidian(?)
Dimensions
H. 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
Thailand · pre-Angkor period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1999
Accession Number
1999.90
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking bronze sculpture depicts Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion in Buddhism, standing gracefully with four arms—a divine multiplicity symbolizing his ability to aid countless beings simultaneously. Crafted in Thailand during the pre-Ang period (8th–early 9th century), it stands at an impressive 30½ inches tall, embodying the era's devotion to Mahayana Buddhist ideals. Avalokiteshvara's serene expression and elongated proportions evoke a sense of boundless empathy, inviting viewers to reflect on compassion's universal power. The unknown artist's mastery shines in...