Avalokiteshvara at The British Museum, London

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Bodhisattvas appear in various forms, closely resembling Buddhas but showcasing a wider range of postures, attire, ornamentation, and often multiple arms and heads reminiscent of Hindu images. Avalokiteshvara is the revered bodhisattva of compassion, a savior deity highly esteemed in the Himalayas. In Tibet, the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara. Images of Avalokiteshvara can typically be distinguished by the presence of a small figure of the Buddha Amitabha seated in meditation with his hands positioned in charity (varadamudra), nestled within his head-dress. Avalokiteshvara frequently holds a lotus, earning him another name: Padmapani or 'the Lotus-holder'. This massive image was crafted from gilded bronze in several pieces and joined together using rivets above the waist and elbows. Semi-precious stones are meticulously set into the necklace, belt, anklets, and forehead in the distinctive Nepali style. Many images produced in Nepal were transported to Tibet and beyond. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to discover how you can help.