Lot Essay
The Bodhisattva Puxian, in Sanskrit Samantabhadra the 'All Gracious,' though not very prominent in Indian Buddhism, enjoyed great popularity in China. The elephant had the ability to change into a man, and fought with Puxian, was conquered by him, and allowed him to ride on his back. This deity may have a somewhat feminine appearance, as here, due the fact that the gods are able to change their sex at will. The Bodhisattva Guanyin, Avalokitesvara, is often depicted riding a hou, a mythological beast not unlike a Buddhistic lion.