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Palcho Monastery: Maitreya Buddha
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Palcho Monastery: Maitreya Buddha
CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse; 15th century; Gilt copper alloy; H: 300 cm
This 15th century sculpture of the future Buddha is flanked on either side by attendant Bodhisattvas with inclined heads. Maitreya is depicted wearing a seven-leaf crown inlaid with gems and decorated with the image of his tutelary Buddha. Elongated earlobes descend to the Buddha's shoulders, and behind his head is an arched nimbus. The chest is lavishly and exquisitely adorned with a heavy gold necklace inlaid with precious stones. The five bowls before Maitreya in the photo are torma offerings of barley flour and clarified butter mounted on a ritual lance. |
