Komasakadera Temple: Maitreya Triad

JAPAN, Shiga, Kurita; Heian period

Executed on a 6 m high and wide granite boulder in the ruins of Komasakadera Temple, this rock carving was created during the 9th century. The central figure of Maitreya is seated cross-legged on a Sumeru throne with hands forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. There are two smaller triads in bas-relief situated above Maitreya, and attending Bodhisattvas stand on either side.
The two attendants are 230 cm in height and wear headdresses. Turning slightly at the waist, both have one hand raised, while the other hangs at their side. Stoles loop around their wrists, and they each stand with heels together and bare feet pointing outwards on top of a lotus pedestal. The three-dimensional bas-relief carving of the Maitreya Triad, in addition to the detailed rippling patterns of their drapery, are characteristics of early Heian period (794–1185) carvings.