A PAIR OF GILT LACQUER WOOD FIGURES OF BODHISATTVAS

Yuan dynasty
14th century AD
China

The figures stand in tribhanga as mirror images on double lotus bases. Each holds up one hand just above the shoulder in abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection; the other hand clasps a scarf that swirls around each of them. The bodhisattvas wear long skirts and aprons belted at the waist; the chests are left bare - except for the beaded necklaces of typical Yuan design - while the shoulders are each covered by a shawl. They look down through slender eyes, with mouths half smiling, and their elongated ears are decorated with floral rings. Each head is surmounted by a five panel foliated and bejewelled crown which holds the swept back hair in place, and surrounds a small top knot. Further plaits of hair descend onto each shoulder.

Height: 21 5/8" / 55 cm

Compare: 'Homage to Heaven, Homage to Earth' Chinese Treasures of the Royal Ontario Museum Toronto, 1992 - fig. 108 - for figures of similar style (though larger in scale). This group of three Bodhisattvas have the same facial expressions and features, and also wear similar five pronged crowns and elaborate beaded jewellery on the chest.