Wooden Maitreya Bodhisattva Seated in Half-Lotus Pose

Basic Information

• Catalog ID: 201
• Item ID: 163
• Category: Sculptures
• Country: Japan
• Period: Asuka Period
• Date designated: June 9, 1951
• Prefecture: Kyoto
• Location: 32 Hachimako-cho, Ōtake, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Owner: Kōryū-ji Temple

Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)

Overview

The “Wooden Maitreya Bodhisattva Seated in Half-Lotus Pose,” housed in the Reihōden Hall at Kōryū-ji Temple in Kyoto, is one of the most representative Buddhist sculptures from the Asuka Period. It is widely known as a cultural property that was designated Japan’s first National Treasure (registration number 1 in the sculpture division) in 1951. The statue depicts the half-lotus pose (hankashiyui)—a posture of deep contemplation, where the right leg rests on the left knee and the fingertips of the right hand gently support the cheek. Its serene and compassionate smile has earned it the nickname “East Asian Mona Lisa.” It is also sometimes called the “Crown Maitreya” because it wears a crown atop its head, distinguishing it from another half-lotus statue (the Crying Maitreya) located at Kōryū-ji.

Historical Background

The statue is deeply connected to the founding of Kōryū-ji Temple. According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), it was commissioned by Hatano Kawakatsu, who received the image from Prince Shotoku during the 11th year of Emperor Sukotoku (603 CE). He established the temple to place this statue as the principal deity. This era marked a time when Buddhism and many advanced technologies were transmitted from the Korean Peninsula. Consequently, the style of the sculpture is believed to have originated from or been strongly influenced by works from Silla in the Korean Peninsula. It was created at a time when Buddhism was just beginning to take root in Japan, symbolizing faith in Maitreya Bodhisattva, the future savior.

Features and Charm

• Ultimate Contemplation: The pose beautifully embodies the quiet contemplation of “how best to save humanity.” This is achieved through the statue’s graceful physique and the fluid rendering of its robes.
• Archaic Smile: Its gentle and mysterious expression, with slightly upturned corners of the mouth, imparts a sense of profound peace and emotion to the viewer. This specific smile is characteristic of Asuka Period Buddhist sculpture.
• Single Piece of Red Pine Wood: While many Japanese statues utilize cypress or paulownia wood, this statue was carved from a single piece of red pine (Akamatsu). The use of red pine aligns with contemporary works from the Korean Peninsula and, combined with its stylistic similarities to the Gilt Bronze Maitreya Bodhisattva Half-Lotus Pose in Korea, provides valuable evidence supporting theories of cultural transmission from the peninsula.
• Prestige as National Treasure No. 1: Following the enforcement of the Cultural Properties Protection Law in 1951 (Shōwa 26), it became the first sculpture designated a National Treasure, cementing its status as one of Japan’s greatest artistic masterpieces.