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Yonghe Temple Wanfu Pavilion: Maitreya Bodhisattva
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Yonghe Temple Wanfu Pavilion: Maitreya Bodhisattva
CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty (1644–1911), dated 1736–1795; Sandalwood; H: 18 m
The statue was carved from a single piece of white sandalwood that was sent by the Seventh Dalai Lama in 1750 as a gift to Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795). It stands 18 m above ground level and extends a further 8 m beneath. This was one of the three artworks from the temple that was included in the Guinness Book of Records in 1990.
Maitreya wears a five-leaf crown with the tutelary Sakyamuni at its center. The gilded statue is also adorned with numerous jeweled necklaces and bracelets. A stole hangs from the shoulders and the skirt is secured by an elaborately tied sash. The Buddha stands at ease, holding a lotus stalk in the right hand while the left hand is lifted in the vitarka (teaching) mudra. |
