When the museum reopened on September 6, over 200 objects were newly on view compared to the installation when the museum closed in December 2009. Many of these objects are on view for the first time in decades. Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at some of these works.
Today’s work is a bronze “Padmapani” sculpture from India (Kashmir) from the 11th century AD. The Padmapani (meaning ‘lotus bearer’) is also known as the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus and his right hand forms the gesture known as abyhaya, meaning fearlessness. The figure is draped in elaborate dress and ornate jewelry, a typical representation for bodhisattvas, meant to distinguish them from Buddha himself.
This beautiful sculpture is on view in the museum’s South Ambulatory Gallery.
