<em>Seated Maitreya</em>, 13th–14th century. Gilt copper alloy, 10 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 3 in. (26 x 19.1 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund, 67.80. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 67.80_front_PS11.jpg)

Seated Maitreya

Medium: Gilt copper alloy

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:13th–14th century

Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 3 in. (26 x 19.1 x 7.6 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: Asian Galleries, Arts of the Himalayas, 2nd floor

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 67.80

Image: 67.80_front_PS11.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya (Tibetan: bYams-pa) seated in the lotus position (padmasana), his hands held in a teaching gesture. The figure is dressed in a monastic garment, which is drawn over both shoulders, its stylized folded drapery traceable to Indian prototypes. An open lotus blossom with petal turned downward rises from behind the figure's left arm. It is surmounted by a stupa, and there is a stupa in the figure's headdress; the stupas identify the subject as Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Tenons on bottom of figure would have attached it to a base, probably a lotus-shaped pedestal, which is no longer present. Condition: Generally good except for wearing of the gilding on parts of the figure and spots of bronze disease on legs, arms, hands, and face which were treated immediately.

Brooklyn Museum