Seated Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya is the “future Buddha,” who will descend to preach new teachings once those of the Buddha Shakyamuni have expired or are in a state of decline. Depicted here as a Buddha, rather than a bejeweled bodhisattva, this image is a vision of the future. The robe is sumptuous, covered with incised floral patterns. The mudra, or gesture, is called dharmachakra, or “turning the wheel of the law,” meaning Maitreya is shown in the act of giving teachings. The wheel on his palms and soles—here shown in the form of lotuses—is one of the physical marks of a Buddha. Other marks include an urna at the center of his brow and an ushnisha, the bump on top of his head.