Avalokiteshvara Sukhothai In Bronze

Bronze (copper alloy) representation of Avalokiteshvara, late Sukhothai style. Kingdom of Siam, 17th/18th century or earlier. A rare image of the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, as Theravada Buddhism is very widely established in Thailand. Provenance: “Asia-Africa” Gallery, Claude de Marteau collection. Sold with certificate of provenance. Size: H 52 cm x W 20 cm x D 9 cm. On base H 58 CM. Although Thailand is predominantly Theravada Buddhist (95%), there is also a small presence of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana, or "Great Vehicle," Buddhism is distinguished from Theravada by its emphasis on universal compassion and the bodhisattva ideal, as well as a broader approach to enlightenment. Today, the Mahayana school's once-strong influence on Buddhism in Thailand has greatly diminished. Nevertheless, depictions of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in religious art and the belief that the Thai king himself is a Bodhisattva illustrate the continuing influence of Mahayana ideas on Thai society. The only other bodhisattva figure to which people in Thailand attach any affection is the "Buddha of the Future," Maitreya. View this Sukhothai bronze Avalokiteshvara in full screen mode on Vintage Addict