Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

Home＞Search >

SEARCH >

Stroke：

Vols：Sculpture

Page：659

Maitreya Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty (1368–1644); Gilt copper alloy; H: 51 cm; National Museum of China, Beijing
in a conical usnisa behind the crown and spills down over the shoulders and arms. The hands are held before the chest with the right in Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra, while the long stalks of lotus flowers wrap around the forearms and bloom at shoulder height. These elements support two of the Bodhisattva’s attributes, a mounted Dharma wheel on the right side and a spouted vessel on the left. A third attribute, the stupa containing the Buddha’s robe of office which will eventually descend to him, ornaments the crest of his usnisa.

Museum：

Entry Title：