| Object Number | A1440 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Tibetan | Buddhist |
| Provenience | Tibet |
| Date Made | 18th Century |
| Section | Asian |
| Materials | Bronze | Gilt |
| Technique | Gilt |
| Iconography | Avalokitesvara | Namaskara Mudra |
| Description | Brass standing figure of a thousand-armed Avalokitesvara with eleven heads on a large, round double lotus base. Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is also the patron saint of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is believed to be not only a reincarnation of his predecessor, but Avalokitesvara as well. The hands of this figure are held in the namaskara mudra which symbolizes prayer. To give them life and power, prayers and charms are placed and sealed within Tibetan sculpture before their consecration. The arms form a sort of halo and are removable. |
| Height | 53 cm |
| Credit Line | Purchased from George Lagai, Kny-Sheerer & Company, 1913 |
| Other Number | Getz 139 - Other Number | 85-28-5 - Old Museum Number | 8 - Other Number |
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