Skip to main content
Advanced Search
The buddha of the future, Maitreya, attended by two bodhisattvas
The buddha of the future, Maitreya, attended by two bodhisattvas

The buddha of the future, Maitreya, attended by two bodhisattvas

Place of OriginChina
Date460
DynastyNorthern Wei dynasty (386-534)
MaterialsBronze with gilding
DimensionsH. 6 3/4 in x W. 4 1/2 in x D. 1 3/4 in, H. 17.2 cm x W. 11.4 cm x D. 4.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60B643
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsMetal Arts
On View
On view
LocationGallery 16
InscribedThe atlantean figure is fat and dwarfish. On the plain base below is incised an inscription reading: Heping first year (460 ); the bhiksu Faliang on behalf of his father and mother has made this image of Milo, praying that his karma fruits may ripen and he attain the Buddhas Way along with all created beings. Matsubara groups the piece with two others that lack the atlantean figure and the engraving on the rear. One, otherwise nearly identical, has an inscription on the rear dated 483 and containing what seems to be a place name, Yingchuan. The other, without inscription, is partially openwork, leaving open areas at the top of the aureole and on either side of the throne. On each top corner sits a small meditating Buddha, the two having markedly different halos. At bottom center is a short supporting post with branching stalks that curve up as if to support the Bodhisattvas lotus bases. Still another plaque, unpublished, in the Shodo Hakubutsukan, Tokyo, is enlarged by a row across the top of four meditating Buddhas. Here a very carelessly written inscription on the rear is said to include the date Zhengguang third year (522). These differences, including the wide discrepancy in dates in a period of fairly rapid and consistent stylistic change, throw some doubt on all or at least part of the Avery Brundage Collection plaque, especially the engraved group on the rear and the extraordinary fat, dwarfish atlas figure, with the uniquely early date written below it.
More Information
This plaque is unusual in being very thin, roughly square, and supported by a crouching figure. The reverse side contains a simplified engraved version of the image on the front.
Subject
  • Buddha
  • bodhisattva
  • Maitreya