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Standing Bodhisattva Maitreya

early 8th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 237
This bodhisattva wears highly unusual costume and jewelry, including a waistcloth, sash, and elaborate necklace and diadem, which suggests it is styled after a particular court fashion, perhaps from the Swat Valley or Gilgit region. The fragmentary water bottle held in his left hand identifies him as Maitreya, the messianic Buddha of the future. The lotus base and rocky pedestal are not contemporary with the figure.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Standing Bodhisattva Maitreya
  • Date: early 8th century
  • Culture: Pakistan (likely Swat Valley or Gilgit region)
  • Medium: Copper alloy, gilded and silvered, with silver inlay
  • Dimensions: Bodhisattva: H. 15 1/16 in. (38.3 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); D. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Muneichi Nitta, 2003
  • Object Number: 2003.593.3a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
dated by inscription to ca. 600
Vajradharma Lokeshvara, Bronze with silver inlay, Pakistan (NW Frontier Province, probably Swat Valley)
Vajradharma Lokeshvara
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Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, Bronze inlaid with silver and copper, Pakistan (Swat Valley)
Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
Pakistan (Swat Valley)
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