171 - Bodhisattva sculpture, 18th century.

Bodhisattva sculpture, 18th century. Gilded wood. Measurements: 36 x 30 x 11.5 cm. The sculpture is part of the tradition of Asian religious art, in which Buddhist images serve as instruments of devotion, contemplation, and the transmission of spiritual teachings. Within Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas embody the ideal of wisdom and compassion, directing their actions toward the liberation of all beings. Their depiction took on various forms as Buddhism spread across Asia, giving rise to a rich repertoire of gestures, attributes, and symbols. In this piece, the contemplative posture and the hands joined before the chest reinforce its devotional significance, while the lotus pedestal symbolizes spiritual purity: a flower that emerges from muddy water without losing its purity. The gilded finish enhances the sacred nature of the image and its role as a focal point of veneration. The work thus embodies the essential values of Buddhist sculpture, in which formal beauty serves the religious experience.