Untitled

Unknown

10th century · Leaded bronze; lost-wax cast · Asian Art

Excavations in the southeast province of Zhejiang have uncovered numerous sculptures with complicated, multitiered stands, made when the region was under the control of the independent Wuyue kingdom (ruled by the Qian family). The bodhisattva in this sculpture sits on an amazing lotus pedestal composed of fifty-four individual petals. Although the bodhisattva cannot be conclusively identified, the small covered vessel in his left hand suggests that he may be associated with the practice of medicine.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Leaded bronze; lost-wax cast

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1925