Unknown Maker, Tibetan

The head of the Buddha Amitabha crowns this sculpture of Avalokitesvara. Said to represent the compassion of Amitabha, Avalokitesvara was born from a ray of light from Amitabha’s right eye. The two central hands form the anjali mudra, a sign of respect or greeting, and the eight other hands hold attributes including the lotus, wheel, bow, and vase.

Traces of pigment indicate that this finely cast bronze was once painted in bright colors.