Brocade on the Waves

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome bodhisattva stands upon rolling waves. She wears a tall golden crown built up in floral tiers with a small seated figure set into its front; black hair falls to her shoulders, a pink ribbon streams behind her head, and her lowered eyes give her a composed, quiet air. Her robe is a rich red brocade worked all over with gold scrollwork and round floral medallions, its wide sleeves a deep golden yellow; a blue-grey sash loops in a slow curve at the waist, and the skirt below turns deep purple, again covered in gold vines. One hand hangs at her side holding a dark object, the other rests before her, and her bare feet stand on the dark blue-grey surf. Behind her left shoulder a small dark-skinned seated figure is half visible. Sumptuous yet serene, the piece suits enshrinement in a shrine or the principal position in a room.