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Antique Thai Style Stone Standing Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Statue - 76cm/30"
Measures (Height) 76cm/30" (Weight) 15.2kg/33.6lbs
An antique southern Thailand Lokeshvara statue in a late 7th‑century style.
Lokeshvara, a form of Avalokiteshvara, is the bodhisattva of compassion in his role as lord of the six realms of existence—hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, demigods, and gods. Here he stands on a simple pedestal, clad in a short sampot, his broad, dignified features crowned by a cylindrical headdress adorned with a small meditating Amitabha Buddha.
This graceful image of the saviour Avalokiteshvara eloquently testifies to the importance of the Mahayana cult of the bodhisattva in pre‑Angkor, pre‑Sukhothai Thailand. It reflects a taste for substantial devotional sculptures, almost certainly created for prosperous temples where they would have served as major cult icons. The sensitively modelled face, with its finely incised details, and the distinctive braided crown of matted hair (jatamukuta) link this figure to other seventh‑century style works from the region.
Here, the bodhisattva of compassion is shown with an ascetic’s refinement, dressed in a simple waistcloth secured with a cord, the incised folds following the contours of the torso. The cult of Avalokiteshvara assumed special prominence in Mahayana Buddhism during this period and, having developed in India, was soon embraced by Buddhist communities across Southeast Asia.
His softly contoured face, with its local, indigenous character, has a serene, downcast expression: heavy‑lidded eyes, arched brows carved in relief that meet gently above a well‑shaped broad nose, and wide lips set in a quiet smile. The head is covered in tightly braided hair, gathered into a cylindrical chignon‑like topknot bound with a ribbon.
A beautiful and sublime sculpture of Avalokiteshvara, this piece embodies both historical significance and the timeless presence of compassion.
Scholarly Reference:
New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Object: 1987.218.16
To aid with safe transport your Avalokitesvara will be packed in a wood crate before shipping, with DHL. The cost of wood crating, packing and shipping (with DHL) is included.
This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to any room of your home or workplace.
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The majority of orders will be shipped with DHL. This is a secure, express and fully tracked service.
Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
