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Guangzhai Temple Seven Jewel Tower: Maitreya Buddha Triad Niche
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Guangzhai Temple Seven Jewel Tower: Maitreya Buddha Triad Niche
CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Wu Zhou period (684–705), dated 703; Commissioned by Xiao Yuanchun; Limestone; H: 110 cm; Tokyo National Museum, Japan
Maitreya sits within the niche with legs pendent and feet resting on lotus outgrowths. One hand is most likely in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The two attendant Bodhisattvas stand in slight tribhanga postures and wear high topknots. The figure on the right holds a vessel and clasps a trailing stole, while the other Bodhisattva holds a whisk and a vase. Both Bodhisattvas stand on lotus pedestals, with a pair of Dharma protecting lions nearby.
Twin trunks of the dragon flower tree branch from between the Bodhisattvas and blossom above the ogee-shaped lintel. This is ornamented with strung pearls and flanked by flying apsaras. An inscription dates the work to 703 and names Xiao Yuanchun as the person who commissioned it. |
