Golden Attendant at the Left

Viewing notes

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

This fully golden standing bodhisattva is the left-hand figure of a matching set of three. Beneath a jewelled crown and black topknot, he stands with lowered eyes, his right hand raised before his chest holding a small handled object upright, his left hand lowered, lightly holding a long slender cord — composed and measured in bearing. Beaded ornaments rest on his chest and his robes fall from the waist in smooth, layered folds, the gold warm and mellow throughout. Behind him towers a pointed aureole openworked edge to edge with rising dragons and flames, a round head-halo close behind the crown, holding his slender form at its centre. Below, a great red-and-gold lotus throne with full petals stands on a low platform, the contrast of red and gold making the figure especially vivid. It is made to be enshrined at one side of a shrine's principal position alongside the central and right-hand figures, the three shining together as a complete arrangement.