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Maitreya Bodhisattva
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Maitreya Bodhisattva
CHINA; Liao dynasty (907–1125); Gilt bronze; H: 20.2 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
The statue depicts Maitreya seated in full lotus position on a waisted lotus throne. The figure holds a vase in the left hand while the right is raised in a mudra. The Bodhisattva’s hair is swept upwards into a tall and intricate topknot with ribbons hanging from each side of the head and sweeping down the arms in knotted bows. A necklace and stoles decorate the upper body, which is largely bare except for a robe that drapes down one side of the arm. The throne is quite decorative, with the upper and lower lotus petals alternating to show the seed head that acts as the Bodhisattva’s seat. |
