Xianyang: Maitreya Buddha

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xianyang; Northern Wei dynasty

The statue was discovered in Xingping of Xianyang in 1949, with an inscription that dates the work to 471. Maitreya sits with legs pendent and crossed, while a warrior beneath him supports his feet. The Buddha wears a monastic robe that covers both shoulders and has intricately detailed folds. Buddhist art during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534) was heavily influenced by the Gandhara and Mathura styles, which shows in the large eyes, thick lips, the clothing, and the way the figure sits.
The mandorla encloses a lotus nimbus that is surrounded by seated Buddhas, which also form the inner rim of the intersecting aureole. The outer rim is a flame pattern. The back of the sculpture is covered in paneled bas-reliefs depicting Jataka tales and scenes from the Life of the Buddha.