Maitreya Buddha and Attendants

CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty

The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal with hands in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The figure wears monastic robes falling in folded layers and expanding outwards symmetrically in sharp angles. The radiating nimbus is integrated into a fiery mandorla. Floral rivets around the rim support apsaras in the midst of flames.
Two attendant Bodhisattvas with separate lotus pedestals flank the main statue. In the foreground, at the foot of the pedestal are two Bodhisattvas seated cross-legged in the contemplative pose, accompanied beyond by four Bodhisattvas standing on lotuses and making offerings. There is a mountain censer with a detachable lid in front of the stand with a pair of lions riveted below and two warrior guardians standing astride an outgrowth of foliage.
A worn inscription on the back of the stand identifies the central figure as Maitreya and the donor as Niu You, and dates it to 524. Pieces of this size and complexity are rare.