South Asia: Pala Sculpture and Painting
Artist: unknown
Title: Khasyapana Avalokitesvara
Material: stone
Site: West Bengal or Dinajpur Dt., Bangladesh
Current Location:
Period/Date: Ca. 11th century
Iconography/Iconology: Khasyapana is one of the many forms of Avalokitesvara
that became popular during the Pala period. In this case, the figures is
attended by Tara and Brikhuti, the two figures at his left and right. Sadana
Kumari and Hayagriva are kneeling in front of the two females. Above his
head are the five Jina Buddhas, and when examined carefully, it will be
seen that the figure is seated in a temple facade that is surrounded by
landscape elements, indicating the presence of a mountain. This moutain
is Mt. Potalaka, the abode of Avalokitesvara, that is often said to be in
the southern sea, but given reified form, at many locations in the Buddhist
world (eg. Putoshan --off the coast of southern China--and the Potala Palace
in Lhasa, Tibet).
Stylistic Comments: The greatly increased elaboration in detailing
of this figure when compared to 9th century images is both an iconographic
and stylistic development that had taken place in Eastern India.
