Within a Ring of Flame

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome standing figure is set within a round halo of flame. The bodhisattva wears a light veil and a finely worked crown; face and hands are golden, the eyes lowered in a gentle smile. Her pale gold satin robes are covered all over with fine scrolling floral patterns and tiered beaded ornaments, long sashes falling to her feet, one hand raised in a seal before her chest — upright, composed, serene. The halo behind her is no plain ring: it is a wheel of red-orange fire, tongue-like flames curling upward and enclosing the standing figure exactly at its centre, stillness answered by blaze. She stands upon grey-green rocks; at her left a young attendant in pale teal robes waits with palms joined and eyes lowered, and at her right an orange beast with a curling mane and glaring eyes crouches among the rocks — quiet on one side, alive on the other. Bright in colour yet never gaudy, the piece serves a shrine as readily as it warms a room with its luminous presence.