Buddhist Deity: Avalokita, Chaturbhuja, Three Iconographic Topics

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Three Iconographic Topics | Chaturbhuja Iconography

Three Iconographic Topics:
--- Iconographic Details (textual description/iconography)
--- Non-iconographic Details (stylistic interpretation/art history)
--- Symbolic Meanings (religious context)
- Textual Description (below)

Videos:
- Chaturbhuja Avalokita Iconography
- Iconography Versus Style (HAR on Patreon)
- Three Iconographic Topics (HAR on Patreon)

Iconographic Details: (figure & attributes/Text based)
- Male
- One face, four arms
- White in colour
- Peaceful Appearance (youthful)
- Gesture of respect/greeting, holding a mala & flower
- Amitabha on the crown of the head
- Peaceful Ornaments
- Tiger skin skirt (Zamatog Mani Kabum Tradition)
- Seated in in vajrasana posture, moon disc, lotus seat
- Best Examples
- Masterworks

Non-iconographic Details: (stylistic interpretation/art history)
- Body proportions
- Iconometric measurements
- Design of ornaments
- Design & colour of garments
- Angle of extended arms
- Lotus seat, single, double, colours
- Outer halo type & colours
- Others...

Symbolic Meanings: (religious context)
- Figure
- Attributes
- Adornments
- Supports

---

Textual Example:

"As the nature of all buddhas, Avalokiteshvara, in colour like stainless conch and crystal, very resplendent, smiling, peaceful and radiant. With four hands the first are folded at the heart, the lower hold a crystal mala and jeweled lotus, two beautiful feet seated in vajra posture, adorned with many attractive silks and jewels, beautified with dark blue hair in tufts [some] loose. On the crown of the head, the wisdom of all buddhas, is the Lord, source of all refuge gathered as one, in essence the Guru in the aspect of Amitabha, in the manner of the Lord of the Family, seated happily." (Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrub 1497-1557).

Jeff Watt 7-2023

(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).