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The Art of Nepal

The bodhisattva (saviour) Avalokiteshvara is represented in two works in the National Gallery's collection of Asian Art. The other was produced in India in the 700s. The spread of Buddhism throughout Asia is shown by the way different countries interpreted the same themes and characters in their own particular style. This aspect of much early Asian art is brought to the fore in the religious focus of the Gallery's collection.

If you would like a more general introduction to the country of Nepal, with pictures of the land and its people, try

The Nepal Home Page

1. Title: The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Date: Early Malla period, 13th century
H.=47.3cm
This image of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (a mortal of compassion, who helped others in reaching the ultimate goal of Nirvana through Buddhist teaching), was thought to have been used for focus during meditation. In Nepal, both Buddhism and Hindu were being practised during the period and artists created images for both religions, maintaining a similar style of representation. Their style was later to be an influence on the Buddhist art of Tibet and China. Here we see a youthful Avalokiteshvara in the frequently used triple-bend pose, holding his right hand in the pose of discourse (vitarka mudra), befitting his role as a compassionate teacher.

For a brief history of Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhist art plus an introduction to Newari sculpture, see my page on the

Art and Culture of Nepal

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Jane Carter 19.10.95