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Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya

Central Thailand

late 8th century

Not on view

The hilltop cave Khao Thamorat, about nine miles west of the moated city of Si Thep, has one of the most extensive sculptural programs devoted to Buddhas and bodhisattvas in mainland Southeast Asia. It has a stone pillar with reliefs in the center of the cave, allowing for circumambulation by devotees; at least two bodhisattvas appear to depict the future messianic Buddha, Maitreya. On nearby elevations of the interior are three standing Buddhas and two standing four-armed bodhisattvas; this Maitreya head belonged to one of these figures. The sculptures are likely the products of monastic activity at the cave, long used for monsoon-season retreats.

cat. no. 148

Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya, Limestone, Central Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya, Limestone, Central Thailand

Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya, Limestone, Central Thailand

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya

Date: late 8th century

Culture: Central Thailand

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: H. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); W. est. 10 in. (25.4 cm); D. est. (with block) 6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. 35 lbs (15.9 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok

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