Bodhisattva Maitreya at The Guimet Museum, Paris

myminifactory

This magnificent bas relief showcases a regal bodhisattva seated on a throne, flanked by two impressive columns with Corinthian-inspired capitals that evoke an air of grandeur. The scene depicts the pivotal moment when Maitreya is enthroned in the Tushita Heaven, the celestial paradise of the thirty-three gods, just before his descent to earth as the future Buddha. The resemblance to an Indian prince is striking, as indicated by the elaborate fabrics, necklaces, and earrings that adorn the bodhisattva's figure, adhering to the traditional hinayana Buddhist iconography. The chignon hairstyle is a distinctive feature of Maitreya, while the crossed leg position is a common motif in Gandharian art. Two minute attendants, richly attired and attentive, stand beside the bodhisattva, listening intently as women on balconies turn towards him with reverence. The presence of two guards, one at either end of the bas relief, adds a sense of solemnity and military gravitas to the scene. These yavana mercenaries, recruited from foreign lands, serve as palace guards, characteristic of Gandhara art's horizontal frieze layout, framing columns with Corinthian capitals, and limited number of protagonists. Despite adhering to typical Gandhara art conventions, this sculpture possesses a hieratic quality and monumental scale reminiscent of Parthian art and Iranian styles. Like all sculptures of the period, these objects were richly colored, showcasing vibrant hues that brought the scene to life. These bas reliefs were embedded into building walls using tenon and mortise joints, serving as plaques that illustrated episodes from the life of Buddha for the benefit of devoted followers. During the late Kushan dynasty's rule over Northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Buddhism experienced a significant expansion, leading to the construction of numerous monasteries. The strategic location of Kushan Buddhism on the Silk Road played a crucial role in spreading its iconography as far as China via Kucha. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scanned using photogrammetry techniques and processed with Agisoft PhotoScan software, this digital replica is now available for free worldwide. If you have interesting items to contribute to this open-source community effort, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.