BRIDGE OVER TIME

This beautiful bust is all that remains of a complete statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, probably in the form of the universal savior Padmapani, meaning “lotus bearer”. Padmapani is one of Mahayana Buddhism’s celestial bodhisattvas, the immortal helpers of enlightened buddhas. Bodhisattvas are spiritually advanced beings who choose to hold back from their own enlightenment in order to remain in the world serving others. Cast in the round, this finely crafted bronze is poised in the tribhanga or triple-flexion posture with a loincloth tied around the hips. The rounded face has downcast eyes beneath arched brows, the hair is intricately braided, and the sacred cord is decorated with the head of an antelope over the left shoulder. The ornaments that richly adorn him are typical of a bodhisattva and symbolize his enlightened experiences. Though this image is incomplete, Padmapani usually appears with right arm lowered, the hand in the wish-granting gesture, and the left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower. Most images of Padmapani also have a small effigy of Amithaba, the Buddha of Infinite Light, in the hair just above the forehead.

Created from black, gilt bronze, this statue was cast in three separate parts: the naga’s hood, the Buddha, and the naga serpent’s intertwined coils. These sections are supported by a rectangular base bearing an inscription in Khmer, stating that the image was ordered by the Governor of Grahi, or Chaiya, a dependency of the Malayu Kingdom. The image’s unusual mix of artistic styles has been the subject of many scholarly interpretations. The serpent’s hood and coils recall Khmer sculpture. A decorative necklace adorns each of the seven naga heads and each breast has a lotus-pattern rosette formerly set with a jewel. Arranged in three horizontal bands, the coils are punctuated at the middle, and at either side, by a large blossoming lotus flower. The Buddha is seated with legs folded and hands in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” bhumisparsa mudra. His monastic robe is worn in an open style, with the left shoulder covered by a pleated flap of cloth. The arrangement of the ushnisha above the coiled hair is smooth and it is decorated with a bodhi leaf, characteristic of Srivijayan art. Reflecting pure serenity and grace, the face of the Buddha gives this statue a rare elegance.