Standing Maitreya

Standing Maitreya

100s-200s
Culture
Gandhara
Country
Pakistan, Afghanistan
Style/Tradition
Gandharan
Object
figurine
Accession Number
1984.716
Credit Line
Anonymous

Maitreya, Buddha of the Future, 100s–200s. Gandhara, modern Pakistan or Afghanistan.
Gray schist; 20 3/4 x 8 x 5 in. Denver Art Museum: Anonymous gift, 1984.716

Dimensions
height: 20.75 in, 52.7050 cm; width: 8 in, 20.3200 cm; depth: 5 in, 12.7 cm; mount height: 2 5/8 in, 6.6675 cm; mount width: 8 3/8 in, 21.2725 cm; mount depth: 5 1/4 in, 13.335 cm
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view

Maitreya
100s-200s, Kushan dynasty
Gandhara (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan)
Gray schist
Anonymous gift
1984.716

Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, is also a bodhisattva, a being on the path to enlightenment who defers complete buddhahood, in order to remain with and help all sentient beings achieve the same goal. Bodhisattva figures from Gandhara often appear clothed in a dhoti (wrapped loincloth) and shawl and have long wavy hair, mustaches, and jewelry. The water flask in his left hand identifies this figure as Maitreya. Originally, this figure would have been polychromed, or covered with color, which would have added definition to the carving. 

Known Provenance
At least 1965-1981, Pan-Asian Collection, Christian Humann [d. 1981]; 1981-1983, Robert H. Ellsworth [b. 1925, d. 2014], purchased from Humann’s heirs; 1983-1984, anonymous collector, purchased from Ellsworth; 1984, DAM collection, anonymous gift.