Seated on the White Elephant

Viewing notes

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

This golden seated bodhisattva rides an elephant, backed by a tall pointed-arch aureole carved edge to edge with flames and scrolling foliage. The crown rises high with a red jewel at its heart; black hair frames a calm golden face, eyes lowered in a soft smile. The right hand lifts a lotus stem that bends in an arc, its blossom open beside the hand, while the left rests in meditation at the lap. Robes pour from the shoulders, beaded ornaments cover the chest, and the drapery spreads over the lotus throne in layered waves. The throne itself is carried by a great white elephant: a golden saddle on its back, jewelled ornaments on its brow, trunk hanging low, each foot set on a small golden lotus, its manner gentle and grave. Beneath the elephant rolls a base of deep-blue waves. Gold figure, white elephant, blue surf — three clear colours setting one another off, made for a shrine or as the unforgettable centre of a room.