Maitreya (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This compact Buddhist bronze shows the Bodhisattva Maitreya, seated on a lotus pedestal and surrounded by an elaborate areole of flowers and flames. Enthroned in heaven, he awaits his next rebirth, when he will descend to earth as a Buddha to save all sentient beings. Two key iconographic features identify him: the small stupa in his crown and the even smaller vase - containing the elixir of immortality - at the end of the stalk held in his left hand. His right hand is held down in the gift-giving gesture.
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Gift of Paul Mellon
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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