Maitreya Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Sakyamuni Buddha had once prophesized that approximately 5.76 billion years later, Maitreya would be reborn in the human world, where he would attain enlightenment beneath the dragon flower tree, and give teachings in three assemblies.
In this 14th century painting, Maitreya Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position on a high lotus throne with highlighted petals and an ornate base. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress decorated with jewels, hanging ornaments, and five Buddha images. The eyes are narrowed, and there is an urna between the arched eyebrows. A thin mustache is painted above tightly closed lips. The hands hold the stem of a lotus topped with a small stupa. The long monastic robe is draped over the front of the throne. A bright nimbus behind the head resembles the moon. The attendant Bodhisattvas that flank the throne are dressed in colorful robes and headdresses, and each holds an object with both hands.