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Maitreya Buddha and Attendants
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Maitreya Buddha and Attendants
CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), dated 460; Commissioned by Faliang; Gilt bronze; Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, USA
Maitreya sits on a Sumeru throne in a cross-legged posture that is rare for this period. The figure wears a monastic robe that leaves the right shoulder exposed, while the right hand is raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The circular nimbus intersects with a double-banded aureole, both surrounded by flames. Around the Bodhisattva are several other figures in relief. Immediately above the central image fly two apsaras supporting a canopy, while armed Dharma protectors flank Maitreya, supported on lotuses by kneeling figures beneath. The plaque is supported by an earth deity squatting beneath the steps to the throne so as to form a stand. An inscription on the base dates the work to the year 460. |
