Attendant with Raised Palm

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome standing bodhisattva has the bearing of an attendant at a principal image's side. A jewelled crown caps the high topknot, deep blue hair falls to the shoulders, and behind rises an openwork aureole of golden flames around a teal-green head halo. The eyes are lowered in a smile; the left hand is raised at the chest with the palm turned outward, while the right hangs at the side, a small green leaf held between the fingers. Gold chains and beaded ornaments cross the chest, an orange-gold patterned cape rests on the shoulders, and a long waist sash is knotted into a flower bow that falls to the feet. Teal skirts and peach-toned folds carry painted red-and-blue trailing florals down the legs — bright colour kept in order. The figure stands on a multi-tiered lotus pedestal of gold, teal and red above an octagonal base. Reverent without stiffness, it suits enshrinement alongside a main image, or a place at the side of a shrine, bringing the quiet of attendance into a room.