Seated Maitreya in lalitasana pose

Seated Maitreya. Seated in the “lalitasana” pose with the left hand raised to hold a lotus bud, and the right resting on the knee. The torso, with swelling shoulders and narrow waist, is bare except for a heavy, pearled collar and a scarf pulled tightly around the upper arms. The design of the crown which fits over the high chignon is unclear. The skirt hangs over the top of an octagonal, 3-part lotus throne; right foot rests on a small separate lotus. The attached leaf-shaped halo bends forward as it rises. The front is engraved with vestigal flame lines outside the lotus center. On the rear of the halo is an inscription that is difficult to read becaues of corrosion.

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Historical period(s)
Tang dynasty, 818-907
Medium
Gilt bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 10.3 Ɨ 3.1 Ɨ 2.8 cm (4 1/16 Ɨ 1 1/4 Ɨ 1 1/8 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1911.591
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Figure: Maitreya

Keywords
Buddhism, China, lettering, lotus, Maitreya Buddha, Tang dynasty (618 - 907)
Provenance

To 1911
Morita, Nara, to 1911 [1]

From 1911 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Morita in 1911 [2]

From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]

Notes:

[1] See Reserved Bronze List, R. 5193, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.

[2] See note 1.

[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Morita (C.L. Freer source)
Charles Lang Freer 1854-1919

Description

Seated Maitreya. Seated in the "lalitasana" pose with the left hand raised to hold a lotus bud, and the right resting on the knee. The torso, with swelling shoulders and narrow waist, is bare except for a heavy, pearled collar and a scarf pulled tightly around the upper arms. The design of the crown which fits over the high chignon is unclear. The skirt hangs over the top of an octagonal, 3-part lotus throne; right foot rests on a small separate lotus. The attached leaf-shaped halo bends forward as it rises. The front is engraved with vestigal flame lines outside the lotus center. On the rear of the halo is an inscription that is difficult to read becaues of corrosion.

Published References
  • Alexander Coburn Soper. Chinese, Korean and Japanese Bronzes: A Catalogue of the Auriti Collection Donated to IsMEO and Preserved in the Museo Nazionale d'arte Orientale in Rome. Serie orientale Roma, 35 Rome. p. 33.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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