Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation

The gilt-bronze statue shows Maitreya, the future Buddha, seated in meditation with the right leg crossed over the left on a small stool. On display at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, the figure shows detailed work in its crown with multiple points and the flowing cloth draped around the body.

This sculpture was created during the Silla period in the 6th century when advanced bronze casting techniques were developing in the Korean peninsula. The work received National Treasure status in 1962, marking its official recognition as a significant example of early Korean artistic achievement.

The statue reflects advanced Korean bronze casting techniques through its thin structure of less than one centimeter and detailed lotus flower base design.

The statue is displayed indoors at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul in a climate-controlled setting. Visitors can view it at their own pace without rushing, making it suitable for careful observation of the fine details.

X-ray analysis from 1963 confirmed the statue's flawless craftsmanship, revealing no repairs or defects in its 83.2-centimeter-tall bronze structure.