Seated Bodhisattva

8th century

This small, finely crafted lacquer figure represents a Buddhist bodhisattva, or bosatsu, an enlightened and compassionate being who postponed Buddhahood in order to help save others. Calm, stately, and full-bodied, the bosatsu is seated in a meditative pose; his gracefully held hands, raised midair, make a gesture of assurance. This sculpture was originally gilt; traces of gold remain on the bodhisattva's face and chest.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

Japan

Date

8th century

Medium

Wood core, dry lacquer, traces of gold leaf

Dimensions

61 × 43.2 × 32.3 cm (24 × 17 × 12 3/4 in.)

Origin

Japan

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Kate S. Buckingham Endowment