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Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Sonam Gyaltsen Tibetan

1430

Not on view

With eleven heads and “one thousand” arms, Avalokiteshvara helps countless disciples realize their false perceptions and escape the cycle of rebirth. The lotus base is inscribed “made by the hands of Sonam Gyaltsen,” a departure from the typical anonymity of Tibetan production. This artist or head of a workshop must have held great status based on the sculpture’s size and detailed execution. The image relates to the regional style at Gyantse, a monastic complex controlled by the royal donors also mentioned in the inscription.

Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Sonam Gyaltsen (Tibetan, active 15th century), Gilt copper alloy, Central Tibet, Shigatse — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Sonam Gyaltsen (Tibetan, active 15th century), Gilt copper alloy, Central Tibet, Shigatse

Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Sonam Gyaltsen (Tibetan, active 15th century), Gilt copper alloy, Central Tibet, Shigatse

Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Sonam Gyaltsen (Tibetan, active 15th century), Gilt copper alloy, Central Tibet, Shigatse

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Artist: Sonam Gyaltsen (Tibetan, active 15th century)

Date: 1430

Culture: Central Tibet, Shigatse

Medium: Gilt copper alloy

Dimensions: H. 26 1/8 in. (66.4 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection

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