hinducosmos: Maitreya Buddha Early 7th century, late Sui-Tang dynasty. China. Gilt-bronze figure 12
hinducosmos: Maitreya Buddha Early 7th century, late Sui-Tang dynasty. China. Gilt-bronze figure 12 ¾ in (32.4 cm) high. (via Christie’s) ‘The concept of the Maitreya is very similar to the Messiah,’ explains Ruben Lien, our Senior Specialist in Chinese Works of Art in Hong Kong. ‘At the end of time, the Maitreya is supposed to come down to earth from heaven to save mankind.’ The early 7th century was a turbulent time in China, which makes a commission such as this extremely rare. It may have been made for someone very wealthy, or even the royal family. -- source link