Maitreya Buddha

This large gilt-bronze image of the Buddha Maitreya was created in 443, during China’s Northern Wei dynasty (386–585). The smile on his face and the ridges forming the folds of his robes characterize gilt-bronze Buddhist statues of the era. There are also stylistic influences from cultures west of China, such as his coiled hairstyle and the strong muscles visible through his thin robes. These details come together to make this statue an important artifact for tracing the evolution of ancient Chinese Buddhist sculpture.

— Museum description: Kyushu National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.