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The Buddha Maitreya
The Buddha Maitreya

The Buddha Maitreya

Place of OriginTibet
Dateapprox. 1400-1500
MaterialsCopper alloy
DimensionsH. 5 1/2 in x W. 4 in x D. 3 in, H. 14 cm x W. 10.2 cm x D. 7.6 cm
Credit Line"King's Art Collection" Greg and Sumei Liu
Object number1992.127
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
More Information
Maitreya, whose name means “the Friendly One,” is the buddha of the future. Eons from now, his appearance will inaugurate a new golden age during which spiritual progress will become very easy and quick. A stupa in his crown identifies this sculpture as Maitreya; this dome-like Buddhist reliquary symbolizes the transcension of time through stasis, and for that reason also symbolizes the Buddha’s mind.  
Subject
  • lotus
  • Buddha
  • Buddhism
  • crown
  • deity
  • Maitreya