A Ring of Countless Arms

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome bodhisattva sits amid a great ring of arms that fans out behind the body like a wheel. Tiered rows of small heads rise above the serene main face, crowned by a tiny seated figure; the principal hands are joined at the chest while countless arms reach out on every side, holding swords, tridents, lotuses, bells, mirrors and ritual implements of every kind. Pale green and golden robes fall over beaded ornaments, sashes spilling from the knees. The figure rides a lion-like beast with curling mane and open jaws, moving through carved clouds and water, one foot resting lightly on a lotus pedestal in front. Behind, the aureole is paved with rows of small Buddhas and ringed with orange flame, and the dark plinth below is set with coloured stones. Grand in scale yet fine in every detail — a centrepiece for a shrine, or the anchoring presence of a large room.