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Quyang: Maitreya Buddha
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Quyang: Maitreya Buddha
CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Eastern Wei dynasty (534–550), dated 536; Commissioned by Le Long; Gilt bronze; H: 61.7 cm; Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Maitreya is depicted standing on a lotus pedestal wearing a loose, flaring gown that falls in overlapping waves to the ankles. The figure's hands are in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The circular nimbus behind the Buddha's head is decorated with a lotus core and has a floriated outer rim. The nimbus and the interconnecting aureole beneath are enclosed within a flaming mandorla.
The four-legged stand has inscriptions engraved on its side and back. The inscription states the sculpture was commissioned by a disciple named Le Long in 536 and identifies the image as Maitreya. |
