Artwork Page for Miroku (Maitreya)

Details / Information for Miroku (Maitreya)

Miroku (Maitreya)

弥勒菩薩像

1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period

(1336–92)
Medium
Hanging scroll, ink, color, gold, and cut gold on silk
Measurements
Mounted: 197 x 58.7 cm (77 9/16 x 23 1/8 in.); Painting only: 110.6 x 40.7 cm (43 9/16 x 16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Rosemarie and Leighton Longhi in memory of Robert P. Bergman 1999.195
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

In this image the figure of Miroku, Maitreya in Sanskrit, is richly adorned with gauzy fabrics, opulent jewels, and an intricate gold crown containing five seated Buddhas. Buddhist teachings say that Miroku will descend to Earth as a Buddha to restore Buddhist doctrine at the end of a long period of decline. Here he is represented as a bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but has chosen to postpone becoming a Buddha to help others reach enlightenment. Above the painting, three inscriptions present portions of a sacred text related to Miroku. A close look at the bodhisattva’s right side where fragile pigments have fallen away reveals writing on the back of the silk on which the image is painted— something its mounters never expected to be seen.
A hanging scroll in ink and gold depicts the bodhisattva Miroku with a light skin tone, seated on an ornate tiered throne. Miroku wears a gold crown and jewelry, framed by a double halo with radiating rays. They rest one foot on a lotus blossom and raise their right hand with the palm facing forward. Above, three panels feature vertical Japanese calligraphy. The scene occurs within a dark, muted rectangle, emphasizing the fine golden linework.

Miroku (Maitreya)

1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)

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