# Standing Bodhisattva

- By: Pre-Angkorean
- Date: Pre-Angkor period, 7th‒8th century
- Medium: Bronze
- Classification: Sculpture
- Dimensions: 31.1 × 9.8 × 8.1 cm (12 1/4 × 3 7/8 × 3 3/16 in.)
- Culture: Southeast Asia
- Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wolff
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/25650)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/01530b28-4d21-41fe-50d3-129231f1decb/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

This small bronze sculpture represents a two-armed Bodhisattva, traditionally identified as Maitreya, the future Buddha, although this is not certain. Stylistically attributed to the pre-Angkor period (7th‒8th century), it is of Mon‒Khmer origin, possibly from Buriram province in northeast Thailand, where several similar pieces have been found. The figure’s ascetic appearance features a chignon adorned with a small stupa or caitya, finely looped hair, and the absence of jewelry. The statue wears a short sampot (male wrapping garment) around the hips. The hand attributes, likely a water jar and lotus bud, were probably cast separately and are now lost. A joined tang beneath the feet suggests attachment to a now-lost base, reflecting early bronze casting techniques.

Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0