The statue is 95” by 65” however in viewing seemed much larger. Created in the Liao Dynasty, S. China, this bodhisattva is the goddess of compassion or mercy, providing guidance and emotional support for the suffering.
The bodhisattva is spectacular to view. It is enshrined in a room that is accessed by passing through an archway into a low-lit temple-like room, and into the bodhisattva’s grace at the Nelson Adkins Museum in Kansas City, MO.
The statue is carved from wood (one tree) and painted in period colors of naturalistic earth tones. Strong greens and tones of orange stand out from neutral creams and browns finishing with gold trim throughout. These colors create a serene earthy calm and tranquil aura.
Overall Visual summary: The statue its self is triangular shaped with a wider base and narrow top. In a sitting position, the left leg bends at knee to 45 degree angle ending with the left foot resting on the ball of the foot on a …show more content…
The shoulders are squared; the robe is folded and draped over both shoulders, with the robe falling down in a v shape on the chest.
The head is oval shaped with the hair wrapped around the top of the head covered by a oval shaped adorned headdress that rests on the top.
The facial features are Asian in origin centered on forehead a circular mark above the strong brow, the eyes cast downward, the nose proportioned to face the lips thin with a gentle and subtle smile creates an aura of femininity.
The robe clings loosely to the figures elongated and elegant body form.
The robe is draped on the body in multiple elaborate folds on the shoulders, at the bottom of the chest, and along the hips and legs. Both legs are covered with only the feet showing. A temple wall behind the bodhisattva is of same coloring and style giving the statue a strong permanence yet gentle