Lotus beneath the Pointed Arch

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome bodhisattva stands on a double golden lotus pedestal, a tall pointed-arch aureole rising behind her. Her crown is golden, her eyes lowered; both hands hold a long-stemmed lotus diagonally before her — the right hand low on the stem, the left lifting it gently — its bud just opening above her shoulder. The outer robe is a wide-sleeved gown patterned on teal-green with gilt edges, over an orange-red lining, a sash knotted at the chest, and a purple skirt trailing to bare feet on the lotus. The aureole's outer band is orange-red flame licking up to the point; within, a blue border studded with gold beads frames scrolling foliage on green, and behind her head a round halo radiates red and yellow around a plain white disc. The pedestal stacks two tiers of full lotus petals, its waist gilt and inlaid. Richly coloured yet perfectly ordered, the figure stands with quiet grace — suited to a side position in a shrine, or standing alone as a scene in itself, lending a space a shaft of bright splendour.