Untitled

Unknown

early 15th century · Silk twill damask · Asian Art

Woven in a single color, this temple hanging represents Shadakshari Lokeshvara, a four-armed variant of the bodhisattva of compassion (Avalokiteshvara). Parallel to the gilt bronze images made in the imperial workshop of the Ming dynasty, the bodhisattva sits on a tiered throne and is adorned with exquisite jewelry and an elaborate mandorla. The bodhisattva personifies the six-character Sanskrit invocation om mani padme hum (hail to the jewel in the lotus), which is woven at the top of the hanging beneath the seed syllable hrih.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 15th century

Medium

Silk twill damask

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Sir Joseph Hotung Gift, 2002