Bodhisattva (Translation)
泥塑菩薩像 遼-金 (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Seated on a straw mat and reading a sutra scroll, this figure may represent Puxian (Samantabhadra), the bodhisattva of kindness in Mahayana Buddhism. Its medium scale and unfinished back indicate that it may have been a temple wall hanging. The darkened face and garment hint of possible fire damage.
The Liao dynasty, ruled by nomadic people known as Khitan, occupied northeastern China, including present-day Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Shanxi, and Beijing. The Khitan Empire adopted Buddhism as its religion and sponsored the construction of many temples where Buddhist sculptures were built and housed.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
