Seated at Ease

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome bodhisattva sits hugging one knee. Her high chignon is deep blue, set at the front with a small golden shrine; her eyes are lowered in a gentle smile, her expression at rest. She sits sideways on a slab of rock, one knee raised, clasped by both hands at the shin, the other bare foot set down softly, gold bangles answering at wrist and ankle. Her robes are a blaze of orange-yellow brocade, woven all over with roundels, vines and lotus patterns in teal and lilac, like a whole bolt of silk draped over her; hems edged in deep blue, and a golden beaded necklace rests on her breast. The colours are festive, yet the pose is utterly still — like someone resting alone after the music ends. In a shrine room, tea room or living corner, she is warm and luminous, and settles the air around her.