On the Lion, Sword Raised

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome bodhisattva rides a blue-green lion. A golden crown set with a red jewel crowns the head; the robes are bright yellow, hung with tiered necklaces, and the figure sits half-posed on an ornate saddle-throne on the lion's back, one foot lowered to rest on a pink lotus. The right hand raises a sword upright, its tip shaped as a rising flame; the left hand holds a dark scroll across. Behind, a golden ring halo is ringed first by red flames and then by layer upon layer of pink auspicious clouds. Below, the green lion crouches and turns its head back, teeth bared and eyes glaring, its mane curled, its jewelled harness tied with red ribbons, over a grey rock platform and a red rectangular plinth. Yellow robes, green beast and red flames strike against one another — majesty with splendour in it, made for the principal seat of a shrine, or to command a room at first sight.