Head of the Buddha Maitreya
Place of OriginLongmen, Henan province, China
Dateapprox. 700
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsLimestone
DimensionsH. 26 in x W. 17 in x D. 12 in, H. 66 cm x W. 43.2 cm x D. 30.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S38+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On viewLocationGallery 16
More InformationThis large head once belonged to the principal figure, the Maitreya, in the main cave of the Leigutai complex at Longmen. It is a remarkable example of Buddhist sculpture produced with the support of the Tang court. Despite its large scale, the head was sensitively rendered and finely finished, with great care given to details such as the hair, the eyes, and the fullness of the cheeks. The Buddhist caves at Longmen were particularly favored by Empress Wu Zetian, because she often stayed in nearby Luoyang, the dynasty’s eastern capital.
approx. 650-750
Probably 493-504
probably 618-800
approx. 600-700
386-534
approx. 650-700
approx. 600-800