Tibetan thangka painting in reverence to the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. When he is shown having four arms, he is called Chaturbhuja Avalokitesvara. This is his most commonly depicted form. Chatur + bhuja are the two Sanskrit words that mean 'four arms.' He holds a white peony flower in one raised hand, and a stand of mala beads in his other. He is surrounded by various other bodhisattvas, including Mahakala, his wrathful form, below. Two human figures appear in a bed of flowers, and each sends their prayers to Avalokitesvara as shown by the long, wispy strands connecting each praying figure to the bodhisattva and his heavenly attendants. The reverse of the thangka has remnants of an old wax seal.

Dates from 19th century Dimensions: 14" w x 18 1/4" h