Maitreya Buddha and Attendants

CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty

Maitreya is the main figure on both the front and reverse sides of this complex sculpture. On the four sides of the rectangular base, there are nature deities carved in relief.
On the front side, Maitreya’s hands are in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The figure’s ankles are crossed and the feet are supported by kneeling figures, while lions crouch to either side. The flanking disciples and Bodhisattvas are supported by lotus pedestals. Maitreya’s lotus nimbus has an ornamented rim, behind which rises an intricate mandorla that also encompasses the four outer figures. Surrounding the outer nimbus are seven seated Buddhas with six apsaras flying above them, the top pair carrying a stupa aloft.
The branch patterns at the very top of this mandorla are similar to the reverse side, which features two dragon flower trees. Above the lower forks are three cross-legged Buddhas. Below them is a defaced Buddha seated cross-legged on a throne. He is attended by Bodhisattvas that sit facing inwards, both in the contemplative pose.