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Collections

Unknown
Chintamani Lokeshvaracirca 1500

Not on view
Carved wood sculpture of a dancing deity standing beneath an arched canopy of foliage, with raised arms, elaborate crown and jewelry, dark weathered surface with traces of red and gold pigment
Carved and gilded wood sculpture of a multi-armed deity in a tribhanga pose, adorned with intricate jewelry and a crown, beneath an elaborate arched torana with foliate and medallion carvings; traces of polychrome and gilt surface throughout.
Carved wood sculpture of a dancing figure in tribhanga pose beneath an arched torana with pierced foliate decoration; traces of polychrome pigment and gilding remain on the figure's jewelry and garments.
Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
Chintamani Lokeshvara
Place Made
Nepal
Date Made
circa 1500
Medium
Wood with paint
Dimensions
52 1/2 x 22 x 9 in (133.35 x 55.88 x 22.86 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Anna Bing Arnold
Accession Number
M.84.93
Classification
Sculpture
Collecting Area
South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes

This adroitly carved sculpture depicting the Buddhist divinity Chintamani Lokeshvara (Wish-Fulfilling Gem Lord of the World) is a Newar form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Embodying wealth, abundance, and fertility, the deity is often paired on Nepalese shrine facades with Mayadevi, the mother of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Chintamani Lokeshvara’s right hand is held in the gesture of ‘gift-giving’ (varada mudra) symbolic of his munificence. He stands gracefully with his legs crossed at the ankles and his left hand reaching up to grasp a garland of gems dangling from one of the two celestial wish-fulfilling trees (kalpa vriksha) that form a canopy over his head. Amidst the luxurious foliage and scrolling vine tendrils are birds and frolicking monkeys. Traces of devotional paint on the figure document its past ritual practice.

Selected Bibliography
  • Little, Stephen, and Tushara Bindu Gude. Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art across Asia. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2025.