Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.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
cat. no. 148
Artwork Details
- 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
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art