Buddha of the Future (Miroku Bosatsu)

弥勒菩薩像

late 600s

Japan, Asuka period

(538–710)

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Medium

cast bronze, incised, with traces of gilding

Measurements

Overall: 45.8 cm (18 1/16 in.); Figure: 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1950.86

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Location

235B Japanese

Did You Know?

The Sanskrit name of this being, Maitreya, derives from the Sanskrit word for friend, mita.

Description

Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth century. For early Japanese devotees, Buddhism offered the promise of salvation through faith in the Buddha of the Future, who would appear at the end of the world. The concept of eternal salvation held particular resonance with the Japanese aristocracy, who became the staunchest supporters of this new faith. Small sculptures like this one, with its gentle grace and powerful presence, were popular devotional objects.