Royal Ease Beside the Elephant

Viewing notes

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

This golden bodhisattva sits in the posture of royal ease on a rock-form seat. The hair is drawn up in a high knot, a small urna marks the brow, and the lowered eyes carry a faint smile; the right hand forms a seal before the chest while the left rests lightly on the string of beads at the knee. A ruyi sceptre leans behind the left shoulder, its curved head peeking out with an air of ease. One leg is folded across the seat, the other foot lowered to rest on a blooming lotus; broad sleeves and sashes pour down in layered folds around the body. The base is a surge of carved cloud and wave rock, and at its side a small elephant lies in harness, trunk curled, perfectly tame. Splendid in gold yet utterly relaxed, it suits a shrine as well as a place of honour in a living space.