The Golden Thousand Arms

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This fully gilded many-armed bodhisattva sits in full lotus, facing forward, on a lotus throne that opens in layer upon layer of petals. One pair of principal arms is pressed together at the chest, another rests in a seal in the lap, while dozens of arms unfold behind in tiered rows — sealing, loosely holding, reaching — forming a complete wheel of hands. Above the crown, small heads are stacked in levels, and at the very top two hands lift a tiny seated Buddha; blue hair and red lips stand out vividly against all that gold. The aureole is one great flame-edged disc, its surface patterned with countless small hand motifs that merge with the arms behind. A work that leads with sheer presence, made for the front of a shrine hall or the commanding position in a large space.