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Maitreya Buddha
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Maitreya Buddha
CHINA; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 675; Commissioned by Devottee Gao; Limestone; H: 70 cm; Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, USA
Maitreya sits on a double lotus throne with legs pendent and feet supported by lotuses that grow from the base. There is an urna between the eyebrows, beneath which the eyes are half closed in a serene expression. Over an inner robe, the Buddha wears a monastic robe with distinctly carved folds aligning closely to the body. The undecorated nimbus is damaged, as is the right hand. The left hand rests on the knee, holding a fold of the robe. An inscription on the base dates the statue to 675 and states that it was commissioned by a disciple with the surname of Gao. |
