Standing Bodhisattva
Mid Tang Dynasty 8th/9th Century
Gilt bronze
China
Height 17.1cm
A finely cast gilt bronze figure depicting Bodhisattva, the
voluptuous being holding a water flask and sinuous willow-leaf
whisk while standing in elegant tribhanga pose, the hips thrust
forward and clad in a simple shawl secured with a central knot
and trailing ribbons above the long dhoti falling in symmetrical
folds below the knees, the torso bare but elaborate jeweled
necklaces, the hair with high chignon. Standing upon a conical
socle fitting into a stepped octagonal base with a collar of
thickly lobbed lotus lappets.
The slim features and elegantly curved posture of this Bodhisattva
is representative of the Tang dynasty artistic style, during
which the Chinese sculptural tradition in all its major mediums
reached a stage of blossom. The highly recognized stylistic
element of the swayed hip posture became especially popular
during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (712-756 CE)) when figure
sculptures in general became more graceful in design.
It is rare to find small bronze and gilt sculptures executed
with such a high level of detailing and well preserved, like
the present one.
