Six Arms upon the Qilin

Viewing notes

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

This many-armed seated figure is worked throughout in a single warm wood tone. The bodhisattva wears a finely carved tall crown, his gaze lowered in composure, while six arms open in tiers at his sides, each holding its own object: at the centre one hand raises a ringed staff high above his head, and the others hold a peach branch, a banner, a gourd ladle and a lotus, with one hand in a seal before his belly. Robes fall from his shoulders like water and gather in slow folds at his knees; beaded ornaments lie fine upon his chest. He sits enthroned on an auspicious beast — a lion-like head with a single horn and curling mane, a body armoured in scales, a tail curling up like flame, and a patterned saddle cloth on its back. Below is a craggy rock plinth where clouds and flames roll and rise between the stones. Utterly intricate yet all of one colour, the piece stands entirely on the craft and layering of its carving — a work for the principal position of a shrine, or a principal scene in a room that rewards long looking.