Arms Raised to the Stars

Viewing notes

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

This standing bodhisattva in plain white has six arms. A tall crown with a round medallion at its front rises above the composed, downcast face. The principal hands are joined in prayer at the chest; of the four arms behind, one pair reaches high overhead with fingertips lightly poised, while the other opens low to the sides, palms half-offered. Two ribbons spring from beside the ears and curl like flames. The layered robe carries a round disc-and-petal knot at the waist, and long sashes fall all the way to the cloud base. Bare feet rest on small lotuses atop rolling auspicious clouds, and at either side of the base kneels a small child figure with palms joined. No colour anywhere: the white speaks through carving and light alone, and the very complexity of the arms throws the stillness of the face into relief. Enshrined, it is pure yet grand; displayed in a hall or tea room, its plain white gathers a room's restlessness into calm.