Thangka of an eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara, late 18th century, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Art
figure with 11 heads and 6 arms at center, flanked by 2 white dogs; 5 figures on lotus blossoms at each side; figures in clouds above at top corners; musicians and figures offering food and objects at bottom This thangka, a scroll painting on cloth, was designed to be hung in a monastery or private shrine. Easily rolled for storage or transport, thankas are used as meditational tools. The central deity is Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, who takes a form with 11 heads and multiple arms, emphasizing his boundless knowledge and ability to help innumerable devotees at once. The bodhisattva is shown emanating from a chorten or stupa (a structure that holds relics—a model of which is seen in the case behind), which represents the historical Buddha; celestial Buddhas are depicted in surrounding heavenly roundels. Below, earthly beings make offerings to Avalokiteshvara.
Size: 29 3/16 x 17 15/16 in. (74.14 x 45.56 cm) (image) 42 ½ x 25 3/8 in. (107.95 x 64.45 cm) (framed)
Medium: Ink and color on silk
