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Khara Khoto: Maitreya Buddha
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Khara Khoto: Maitreya Buddha
CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia dynasty (1032–1227); Clay; H: 13.5 cm; Inner Mongolia Museum, Hohhot, China
Unearthed from Khara Khoto, this Maitreya is an example of the Budai version of the Buddha. This form of Maitreya appeared in the Yulin Caves around the Western Xia period (1032–1227) and is evidence of the western extension of the Chinese cultural sphere.
The Buddha has his head turned to one side. His expression is jovial and details such as wrinkles are shown on his face. The monastic robe tumbles from the shoulders of the rotund body and rumples on the floor below the protruding belly. The left arm rests on a plump sack as the figure sits at ease with both shoes protruding sideways from under the robe. |
