Sculpture, probably depicting the bodhisattva Maitreya, gilded bronze, 8-9th century, Burma.

Gilded bronze sculpture seated in the posture of royal east (rājalīlāsana) adorned with a necklace, arm bands, ankle bands, and round ear ornaments. He wears an elaborate crown garlanded with jewels and pearls, at the centre of which is an oblong form reminiscent of a high-sided stūpa such as those found at Prome and Bagan in Myanmar. This feature indicates the figures identity as the bodhisattva Maitreya (Pali Metteyya), the future Buddha. The sculpture is solid cast and much of its gilding is abraded. The singificant area of corrosion on the rear of the sculpture may suggest an historical repair.

Bought from F.E. Dempster Esq., 1 Kensington Gardens Square, W.2

Reportedly found at Pagan , Burma, before 1922.

Historical significance: A unique Buddhist image of the late Pyu style, of iconographic rarity.

Bought from F.E. Dempster Esq., 1 Kensington Gardens Square, W.2. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

R.P. 1922- 2427

Buddhist devotional image, probably commissioned for donation to a temple at Pagan.

Reportedly found at Pagan, before 1922, but in Pyu style and possibly made elsewhere, perhaps Sri Kshetra (Prome, Myanmar).

This Buddhist devotional image, probably commissioned for donation to a temple at Pagan, depicts a male figure, probably the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, seated in the dress and posture of 'royal ease'. This unique Buddhist image is an iconographic rarity in that it may be dated as late as the 10th or 11th century; but it represents the work of craftsmen working in the earlier tradition.

IM.39-1922