Figure of meditating Bodhisattva

Japanese

British Museum

650 - 700

An example of one of the earliest Buddhist images in Japan. Early Nara period. Depicts either Sakyamuni in his youth, or Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Image close in style to Korean work. Pose characteristic. Landscape decorating the sides of the figure symbolise the retreat into wild nature achieved through deep meditation.

• Medium: gilt bronze
• Dimensions: 32 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £3000 ( Total: £11,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1963
• Vendor: Raymond Johnes

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