Golden Form upon the Lion

Viewing notes

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

This golden bodhisattva rides a lion beneath a tall aureole. Crowned, with lowered eyes and a gentle smile, he sits in half lotus on the lion's back, one hand holding a long lotus-headed staff diagonally across his body. Behind him the pointed aureole is carved edge to edge with fine flames and scrolling foliage, layered gold gathering the seated figure into the centre. The lion below is deep blue all over, scattered with pale round spots, its green mane falling at the neck, a red tasselled collar with golden bells around its throat, mouth open and fangs bared, eyes bright; its four feet rest on red lotus pads above a grey-blue base of rolling waves, and small clouds in many colours curl at either flank. The stillness of the golden figure above answers the vigour of the blue lion below, softness and strength completing each other — a solemn yet lively piece for the principal position of a shrine, or as the anchoring scene of a room.