Plaque, D38.325

Small clay tablet with a figure in relief impressed upon it. The figure is seated in the lotus position (dhyanasana) upon a lotus throne. The facial features are worn away. The figure has four arms, two raised up to shoulder level, the others clasped over the chest, probably in a mudra (conventionalised Buddhist hand signals). Figure is surrounded by a decorative nimbus and a Tibetan inscription (the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'). Identified as the bodhisattva Chenresig (Tibetan name) or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit name) by visiting Tibetan monks (2/91). 5.8X7.0cm

Locality: Western China

Collected by: Dr Edith Huntley