Bodhisattva of Compassion as Lokeshvara the Sky Flyer (Khasarpana)

late 1000s, Pala dynasty, reign of Ramapala (reign 1078/79–at least 1130)

Bodhisattva of Compassion as Lokeshvara the Sky Flyer (Khasarpana), late 1000s, Pala dynasty, reign of Ramapala (reign 1078/79–at least 1130). Eastern India, Bihar. Kaolinite with traces of pigment; overall: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1991.155 Exquisite Buddhist votive sculptures carved from soft ivorylike stone were made for personal devotional use during the 11th and 12th centuries in particular.

This form of Avalokiteshvara, the powerful bodhisattva of compassion, sits with one foot down in the posture of royal ease, the Buddha Amitabha in his crown. This special form of the bodhisattva of compassion brings relief to hungry ghosts. A hungry ghost with a distended belly praises him in the lower left corner of this plaque, to the left of the tiny regal figure with a manuscript tucked in his left arm.

Green Tara is at Avalokiteshvara's proper right, holding a lotus, and the four-armed goddess Bhrikuti holds a rosary and water bottle at his left. When colored, Lokeshvara was white, Tara at his right knee was green, and Bhrikuti at his left knee was gold.