Amulet with Maitreya Bodhisattva

CHINA; Jin dynasty (265–420)

This amulet is made from rosewood in the shape of a lotus bud and consists of two parts hinged together. On the right, there is an arch with the ends curving upward, and underneath, there is a 5.5 cm high Bodhisattva with a nimbus. The right hand is raised while the left hand is placed on the knee. The Bodhisattva sits with legs crossed on a high square throne with a lion on either side. On the left, there is an ovoid niche with Maitreya Bodhisattva forming the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand, and holding a vase in the left. Maitreya sits with legs pendent, but the feet are missing. There is a lotus pedestal at the bottom.
This is an example of a Buddhist amulet that would have been carried by monks or traders in their travels over vast distances.