Figure of Avalokitsvara

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Avalokiteswara, 18th -19th century
Central Asia, Tibet
Gilded bronze

Wise Collection
Donated by University of Dundee
Museum number 1993-319

Avalokiteswara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron deity of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation. Bodhisattvas are figures of infinite compassion who have attained Nirvana, freedom from all suffering and death, but remain on Earth until everyone has reached enlightenment.