This rare gold and silver figure of the Buddhist deity Lokeshvara (Lord of the World), stands with the right hand in ‘abhaya mudra’ (gesture of fearlessness) and a holy water bottle in the left hand. The torso is decorated with elaborate jewellery made in the repoussé technique. The eyes are set with rubies, while his palms are engraved with ‘dharmachakra’ or Wheel of Buddhist Law motifs. Within the tall hairdo is a seated figure of the Buddha Amitabha. Lokeshvara is thought to have been worshipped for his compassion and supernatural powers. Brick temples dedicated to royal ancestors, stone sculptures and precious metal images and jewellery, are amongst the important material legacy of Champa. Stylistic similarities with Indian, Chinese and regional traditions, are often seen, reflecting the exchanges that took place between Champa and these cultures. By the 9th century, Cham gold metalwork was well known, especially in association with Buddhist practices.
