Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara: Compassion in Every Gesture

Among all jadeite carving motifs, few possess the awe-inspiring presence of the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara — the embodiment of infinite compassion and tireless action.

In Tibetan Buddhism, this form of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin in Chinese tradition) symbolizes a vow so vast that a thousand arms are needed to respond to the suffering of all beings.

Each hand holds a sacred object, a tool of wisdom or liberation. Each palm bears an eye — ever-seeing, ever-aware. Together, they express a single message:

“I see you, I feel your pain, and I will act.”

In jadeite, this motif is particularly powerful. The delicate complexity of the carving — the flow of hands, the serene gaze, the fine detail of each attribute — requires not only technical mastery, but deep spiritual sensitivity.

When done well, the result is breathtaking: a luminous guardian formed from nature’s essence, radiating compassion through cool stone and warm light.

The piece we share today is accompanied by a sacred thangka (Tibetan Buddhist painting) of the same deity.

One is carved, one is painted — both are invocations of mercy.

💎 Custom jadeite pieces featuring the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara are available upon request.

🖼️ The thangka is currently in stock.