Mogao Cave 275: Maitreya Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Liang Kingdom

This statue is located within a house-like niche on the upper section of the north wall. The lintel consists of a painted relief of a roof with eaves, and is supported by square columns depicted in relief on either side. Sheltered within the niche is Maitreya Bodhisattva sitting on a square throne with a triangular backrest. The figure has a double-layered nimbus and wears a triple jewel crown with a long scarf covering the head. The eyebrows are accentuated, the eyes slender and upturned, and the mouth shows a subtle smile. A long shawl is draped across the straight, broad shoulders. The chest is adorned with two necklaces, one with three decorative bells and another that extends to the abdomen. The left hand rests palm-up on the knee, and the right hand is held at shoulder height with the palm out and the middle and ring fingers slightly bent. A long garment with wavy, incised folds covers the lower body. The bare feet are loosely crossed at the ankles and raised just above the ground. The niche and the statue together are believed to portray Maitreya in Tusita Heaven, awaiting birth in the human realm.