Untitled

Unknown

7th century · Bronze inlaid with silver · Asian Art

The messianic savior Maitreya is identified by the flask he holds in his lower hand. He is seated in a yogic posture on a double-lotus cushion and extends spiritual protection to believers with his raised hand, here displayed with the palm facing inwards, not outwards as is conventional. This icon has a superbly preserved metal surface, complete with silver inlay on the eyes and forehead mark (urna). The raised ornamentation reflects an awareness of Gupta design. The figure and base were cast separately, and the lotus base is inscribed on the reverse with a donor dedication.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th century

Medium

Bronze inlaid with silver

Culture

India (Jammu and Kashmir) or Pakistan (Swat Valley)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. Richard Benedek, 1978