Maitreya Bodhisattva

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

In this painting from the early Yuan dynasty, Maitreya Bodhisattva is shown against a black background. The figure is outlined with faint silver lines, rendering it only partially visible. The torso, head, and feet of Maitreya are painted a bright tan color, making them stand out from the rest of the image. The Bodhisattva has arched eyebrows, narrowed eyes, and red lips. The slightly tilted head bears a tall crown. The chest and arms are adorned with Newar style jewelry. A stole encircles the arms and flows down beside the body. The raised right hand forms a mudra in front of the chest. Two lotuses rise up beside the Bodhisattva. One of the flowers is topped with a Dharma wheel, the other with a vase. Faint clouds are painted behind the nimbus and aureole.