Anatomy of an Artwork: A Gupta-influenced Figure of Padmapani in a High-Tang Style

C hina's sculptural tradition reached its most mature phase during the Tang dynasty (618–907), an era when monks and pilgrims frequently travelled to North India, the spiritual home of Buddhism, in a quest for knowledge and inspiration. The great artistic tradition of Gupta India (3rd to 6th century) increasingly provided a rich source of inspiration to Tang artisans.

This finely cast and richly gilded figure can be identified as Padmapani – a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara – by the lotus blossom at the left shoulder. The figure, depicted seated in the mudra, or pose, of lalitasana, is adorned in sumptuous beaded jewellery with hair dressed in a high top knot. This sculpture embodies the style of the high-Tang period with its sensitive treatment of the natural curves and flow of the body, influenced by Indian art, and characteristic details including rounded face, well-modelled cheeks and opulent jewellery.

Golden statue depicting a buddha with numbers displayed over particular areas

A gilt-bronze figure of Padmapani Tang dynasty Height 10⅞ in, 27.6cm
Estimate HK$3,000,000–5,000,000
Reflection and Enlightenment: Chinese Buddhist Gilt-Bronzes from the Jane and Leopold Swergold Collection, Hong Kong, 13 October

1. FLAMING NIMBUS

Padmapani is framed against a nimbus – a crown of radiating light rays – enclosed within tongues of flame.

Detail of a golden sculpture of a buddha, focused on the area resembling a sun

2. LOTUS BLOSSOM

The Bodhisattva Padmapani, which means ‘lotus holder’ in Sanskrit, is clearly identifiable by the lotus blossom at the left shoulder.

Detail of a golden statue depicting a buddha, focused on the area resembling a floral jewel

3. OPULENT JEWELLERY

Padmapani is generally depicted as having a youthful, noble appearance. Here, the opulence of the jewellery also serves to convey his worldliness. As a bodhisattva, he has vowed to remain in the world until all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

4. SEATED POSTURE

Padmapani is seated in lalitasana, a mudra in Indian art literally meaning ‘pendent posture’. In English, it is usually called ‘royal ease’, as encapsulated by the relaxed, aristocratic posture here.