Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Potalaka at The Guimet Museum, Paris

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Avalokiteśvara, known as "Lord who looks down," embodies the compassion of all Buddhas as a bodhisattva. Depicted variably in different cultures, Avalokiteśvara is shown as either female or male. In Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara becomes Guanyin, a somewhat different female figure. Lokeśvara appears in Cambodia. This Avalokitesvara sits upon Mount Potalaka and was created during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Mount Potalaka, which means "Brilliance," is the mythical dwelling of Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, said to exist south of India in the seas. The mountain first appears in the final chapter of the Flower Garland Sutra, the Gandavyuha Sutra, where the protagonist journeys to seek advice from Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Later Buddhists, such as Japanese Yogacara monk Jōkei, promoted aspiring rebirth on Mount Potalaka as an easier way to make progress on the Buddhist path than in the more well-known Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. This object is part of "Scan The World." Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.