Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future
The messianic savior Maitreya is identified by the flask he holds in his lower hand. He is seated in a yogic posture on a double-lotus cushion and extends spiritual protection to believers with his raised hand, here displayed with the palm facing inwards, not outwards as is conventional. This icon has a superbly preserved metal surface, complete with silver inlay on the eyes and forehead mark (urna). The raised ornamentation reflects an awareness of Gupta design. The figure and base were cast separately, and the lotus base is inscribed on the reverse with a donor dedication.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future
- Date: 7th century
- Culture: India (Jammu and Kashmir) or Pakistan (Swat Valley)
- Medium: Bronze inlaid with silver
- Dimensions: H. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. Richard Benedek, 1978
- Object Number: 1978.536
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
India (Jammu & Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir) or Pakistan
8th century
On loan to The Met
Kashmir
9th century
India (Jammu & Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir) or Pakistan
6th–7th century
Pakistan (NW Frontier Province, probably Swat Valley)
9th century
Bangladesh (probably Comilla District)
8th–early 9th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.