Bodhisattva Maitreya at The Guimet Museum Paris

Discover the exquisite beauty of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, a stunning replica of the original bas relief housed at the Guimet Museum in Paris. This meticulously crafted piece showcases an enthroned bodhisattva, elegantly framed by two Corinthian-inspired columns. The sculpture captures the moment when Maitreya resides in Tushita Heaven, the celestial paradise of the thirty-three gods, poised to descend to Earth as the future Buddha.

The figure of Maitreya, reminiscent of an Indian prince, is adorned with intricate fabrics, necklaces, and earrings, reflecting the rich visual language of Hinayana Buddhist iconography. His characteristic chignon hairstyle and the graceful, crossed leg position echo the timeless Gandharian artistic style. Two finely detailed attendants, adorned in luxurious garments, listen intently, while women on balconies direct their reverence towards the bodhisattva, creating a scene filled with devotion and admiration. The solemn presence of two guards—foreign mercenaries known as yavana—at either end adds a striking contrast, embodying a sense of dignity and protection.

This remarkable sculpture not only exhibits the horizontal frieze layout typical of Gandhara art, but it also resonates with the monumental and hieratic qualities of Parthian influences. Each piece is painted with a pátina effect that mimics the elegance of marble and bronze, enhancing its visual appeal and historical authenticity. Originally designed to embellish the walls of Buddhist edifices, these bas-reliefs served to illustrate the life