Artwork Page for Buddha of the Future (Miroku Bosatsu)

Details / Information for Buddha of the Future (Miroku Bosatsu)

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
Public Domain
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Location
235B Japanese
Print
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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.
A bronze sculpture of a figure sitting down, their right hand up at their chin and their left hand resting on their right foot, which is crossed on top of their left knee. Behind their head is a large, circular halo that curves to a small point at the top.

Buddha of the Future (Miroku Bosatsu)

late 600s

Japan, Asuka period (538–710)

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