Buddha Maitreya (Mile) altarpiece
Maitreya is the only divinity in Buddhism revered as both a bodhisattva and a Buddha. Slated as the next being to achieve enlightenment, he exists on the verge of Buddhahood, his bodhisattva’s vows completed and the promise of enlightenment assured. Devotion to Maitreya was widespread in China in the late fifth and sixth centuries. This complex assembly shows Maitreya emerging from a halo of flames as he descends to earth to rescue the devout.
Artwork Details
- 北魏 鎏金青銅彌勒佛像
- Title: Buddha Maitreya (Mile) altarpiece
- Period: Northern Wei dynasty (386–534)
- Date: undated，ca. 525–30
- Culture: China
- Medium: Gilt bronze
- Dimensions: H. 23 1/4 in. (59.1 cm); W. 15 in. (38.1 cm); D. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
- Object Number: 38.158.2a–g
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
China
early 7th century
China
late 7th–early 8th century
Vietnam
ca. 7th century
China
ca. early 8th century
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