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Huizhao Temple Great Hero Hall: Maitreya Buddha
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Huizhao Temple Great Hero Hall: Maitreya Buddha
CHINA, Shaanxi, Weinan; Ming dynasty (1368–1644), dated 1581; Bronze; H: 2 m
The statue is modeled after monk Budai, who became popular after the Later Liang dynasty (907–923) and was said to be a manifestation of Maitreya. Stories about him are recorded in such texts as the Transmission of the Lamp and the Biography of Monk Budai by Dingying. There were originally five bronze statues, created during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), but only this statue remains.
The figure has a rotund body and earlobes that fall to the shoulders. Seated upon a multi-layered lotus throne, the Buddha’s upper body is bare except for a monastic robe that is draped loosely about him. The figure holds prayer beads in one hand and a cloth sack in the other. |
