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Yungang Grotto 17: Maitreya Bodhisattva
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Yungang Grotto 17: Maitreya Bodhisattva
CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534); Stone; H: 15.6 m
This sculpture of Maitreya Bodhisattva is located on the back (north) wall and measures 15.6 m in height. The Bodhisattva is portrayed seated with legs crossed at the ankles, wearing a headdress and monastic robes. The face and arms of the figure are severely damaged, although the remaining details suggest a similar style to the cross-legged Bodhisattva carved inside the east wall of the window on the front (south) wall. Sculptures and other artwork featuring the Bodhisattva were particularly popular during the Northern Dynasties (386–581), during which a large quantity of Maitreya statues were constructed at the Yungang Grottoes. This sculpture was probably among the earliest of such works. |
