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Seated Bodhisattva Maitreya

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor
Maitreya gained a strong following in East Asia, where he was considered more accessible than other Buddhas and was sometimes worshipped as a savior who might usher in a new era. In China he was depicted seated on a throne with both legs hanging, rather than with legs crossed in a meditative posture. His open palm, resting on his knee, is making the wish-granting gesture.
MEDIUM Bronze with traces of gilding
  • Place Made: China
  • DATES 557–581
    DYNASTY Northern Zhou Dynasty
    PERIOD Northern Zhou Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 9 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (24.8 x 14 x 5.7 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 88.93
    CREDIT LINE Gift of the Asian Art Council
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor
    CAPTION Seated Bodhisattva Maitreya, 557–581. Bronze with traces of gilding, 9 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (24.8 x 14 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 88.93. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 88.93_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 88.93_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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