Holding the Lotus Stem

Viewing notes

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

This golden standing figure holds a lotus stem before a tall pointed-arch aureole. The curled hair is deep blue with a red jewel at the crown, but the face is a muted, dusky gold — turned inward against all the bright metal around it, eyes lowered in silence. Both hands hold one long lotus stem on a diagonal: at the raised left hand a pure white bud, the green stem trailing down to the lowered right hand, where its leaves spill from the fingers. Robes fall in heavy layers, beaded ornaments running from the chest to the knees, the drapery gathering in fine waves at the feet. On the lotus pedestal, between the figure's feet, stands a tiny attendant with palms joined, sheltered in front of the great figure. The aureole is dense with blossoms — red flowers, golden stamens, green leaves — and the halo behind the head is lined with a flush of red. Below, an octagonal altar base with curling cloud corners carries the lotus throne. Bright in the robes, grave in the face: a piece for quiet devotion that rewards a long look.