Golden Flame Halo

Viewing notes

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

This is a polychrome standing bodhisattva set before a tall openwork aureole of golden flames. A jewelled crown caps the high topknot and deep blue hair falls to the shoulders, framed by a teal-green head halo within the flame border. The eyes are lowered in a soft smile; the right hand is raised at the chest in a seal, the left hangs loose at the side. Gold chains and beaded ornaments cross the chest, a long sash is knotted at the waist and spills to the feet in a flower-shaped bow, and the layered skirts — teal above, peach-toned folds below — carry painted trailing florals in red and blue down the legs. The bare feet rest on a broad multi-tiered lotus throne, its gold petals picked out in teal and red above an octagonal base of orange-red and stone green. Poised yet gentle, it suits enshrinement at the centre of a shrine, or the focal point of a calm interior.