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Maitreya Buddha
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Maitreya Buddha
CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), dated 484; Commissioned by Li Riguang and Li Shanzhi; Gilt bronze; H: 24.4 cm; Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo, Japan
The figure stands upon a plain, four-legged stand and makes the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand while grasping a trailing stole in the other. The monastic robe crosses the chest and is draped over the left shoulder while a sash secures the skirt at the waist.
The mandorla contains a plain nimbus and aureole that are both accentuated by a five-ridged rim. The rest of the mandorla is filled with stylistic flames. An inscription on the statue identifies it as Maitreya, dating it to 484 and naming Li Riguang and Li Shanzhi as the patrons. |
