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Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the form of Amoghapasha Lokeshvara

16th-17th century

Nepal

Gilt copper alloy

H. 11 x W. 5 5/8 x D. 5 7/8 in. (27.9 x 14.29 x 14.92 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.50

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from Heeramaneck Galleries, New York, NY, December 29, 1969.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.

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This elegant statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is in the form of "All-seeing Lord of the Infallible Noose" (Amoghapasha Lokeshvara), identified by the rope held in his bottom hand. Once ensnared in this sacred noose, the devotee must tell the truth about and to himself, an act which can sever the bonds of illusion and help a practitioner achieve enlightenment. Amoghapasha Lokeshvara is one of the guardian deities of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and is also worshipped for day-to-day well-being. A special rite, performed on the eighth day of the moon's brighter two weeks of each month was dedicated to him, and it is possible that this sculpture was the focus of such a ritual.