Avalokiteshvara

Tan Long, Vietnam
Sandstone, 188 cm (6'2")
Khmer, mid-7th to early 8th century
Musee Guimet

This statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion was discovered in former Khmer territory, west of the Bassac River and south of Oc Eo, that is now a part of Vietnam. The figure, which stands upright upon two lotus petals, is outstandingly well-preserved. The earlobes are very long, extending down to the shoulders. As usual, the bodisattva is identified by a seated image of Amitabha in his elaborate crown.