This complex assembly depicts the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya, who descends to earth to enlighten and save devout believers. He stands in front of an openwork back panel encircled by flames and flying celestial musicians, gesturing to reassure worshipers and promising to grant their wishes. Two attendant bodhisattvas stand at his side, with another pair at his feet. Next to them are four patrons—two on each side—dressed in secular clothes and holding bowls of offerings. Thunderbolt bearers are placed as guardians at opposite front corners of the altarpiece. Below the main platform are two seated lions—protectors of the dharma, or the universal truth of Buddhism. An incised text on the base records the name of the person and date upon which he commissioned this sculpture to invoke the Buddha’s blessing for his deceased son and relatives.
#7458. Altarpiece Dedicated to Buddha Maitreya (Mile fo), Part 1
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7458. Altarpiece Dedicated to Buddha Maitreya (Mile fo), Part 1
7459. Altarpiece Dedicated to Buddha Maitreya (Mile fo), Part 2
Two small monks (behind incense burner) from 38.158.2 (f, g)
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Two small monks (behind incense burner) from 38.158.2 (f, g)
Monk from 38.158.2 (f, g)
Monk from 38.158.2 (f, g)
Artwork Details
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北魏正光五年 鎏金青銅彌勒佛像
Title:Buddha Maitreya (Mile) Altarpiece
Period:Northern Wei dynasty (386–534)
Date:dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
Culture:China
Medium:Gilt bronze
Dimensions:H. 30 1/4 (76.8 cm); W. 16 in. (40.6 cm); D. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
Classification:Sculpture
Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1938
Object Number:38.158.1a–n
Inscription: Translation of inscription by A. Lippe in Archives, 1961:
"On the eighteenth day of the ninth month, which begins with a mou-shen day, in the fifth year of the Cheng-kuang (period) of the Great Wei (dynasty),...-wu-chen from the Hsin-shih district for his dead son Kai-chih (had) made one image of Maitreya, wishing that the dead son and his relatives who sitll are at home may forever be united with the Buddha".
Mr. Lippe identifies central figure of altarpiece as Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller , New York, (until 1938; sold to MMA)
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