Seated Bodhisattva, Chinese

Sculpture/figure. Seated Bodhisattva. Unknown sculptor, China. Lifesize polychrome wooden sculpture of a Bodhisattva seated in the position known as “royal ease”. Several wooden elements are missing including the proper right hand and forearm, the proper right foot, the forepart of the proper left foot, the forepart of the proper left first finger and the front edge of the lower garment (centre to proper right). The sculpture has been decorated with several successive campaigns of polychromy (paint and gilding), now very fragmentary and abraded. The eyes are inlaid with polished glass or stones. Carved and filled wood contructed from several jointed elements (some possibly repairs); the eyes inlaid with polished cabochons, either glass or gemstones. Painted (over ground layers) in several campaigns of polychromy, at least one including gilding. 1200-1279. 13th century. Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279).