fascination with aesthetics, history, and culture. Music is another passion of his; he has served as a college organist at Oxford, and his appreciation for the past is reflected in his fellowships of the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Asiatic Society, and the Royal Historical Society.
Hugo Poland-Bowen( C, 2021-)
The Wykehamist
The Wykehamist’ s Treasury The Buddha Maitreya
Among the many artifacts housed within Winchester College’ s Treasury is a remarkable gilt-bronze figure of the Buddha Maitreya, dating back to the late Tang or Five Dynasties period of the 10 th century. Standing at 18 centimetres, this exquisite sculpture captures the essence of Maitreya, the future Buddha, embodying hope and the promise of enlightenment.
In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is revered as the future Buddha destined to appear on Earth when the teachings of Buddhism have faded, to restore the Dharma and guide humanity towards enlightenment. The name“ Maitreya” is derived from the Sanskrit word“ maitrī,” meaning“ lovingkindness,” underscoring his association with compassion and benevolence.
The figure is depicted standing gracefully, with the right hand raised in abhaya mudra – a gesture symbolizing reassurance and protection – and the left hand extended in vara mudra, denoting giving or bestowal. Adorned with an intricate headdress and flowing robes, Maitreya stands upon a circular base embellished with petal motifs, which rests atop a square pedestal supported by four splayed legs. The use of gilt-bronze not only accentuates the figure’ s divine radiance but also underscores its spiritual purity, reflecting the profound religious significance attributed to such artworks during that era.
Buddhism, introduced to China centuries prior, reached its zenith during the Tang Dynasty( 618 – 907 AD). The religion profoundly influenced various facets of Chinese society, including art, literature, politics, and philosophy. Buddhist monasteries emerged as centres of learning and culture, with the faith’ s principles and iconography permeating the period’ s poetry and artistic expressions. The construction of grand temples and the commissioning of religious art during this time stand as testaments to Buddhism’ s prominence and its enduring impact on Chinese culture.
The provenance of this particular Maitreya figure adds a rich layer to its historical narrative. It was acquired by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from Barling on October 3, 1962, for £ 250. In 1978, the Duberly family bequeathed their extensive collection of Chinese art to Winchester College in memory of their son, James Duberly( 1925 – 1944), an Old Wykehamist who tragically lost his life during the bombing of the Guards’ Chapel in World War II. This generous bequest serves as a poignant tribute, intertwining the family’ s legacy with the college’ s rich heritage.
The Duberly Collection, now housed within the Treasury, comprises approximately two hundred items, primarily porcelain, spanning from the Tang to Qing dynasties. This assemblage offers invaluable insights into China’ s artistic evolution over several centuries. Visitors to the Treasury can explore a diverse array of artifacts, including Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman antiquities, medieval art, and early English silver. The Chinese ceramics collection, in particular, showcases the nation’ s rich ceramic heritage, featuring pieces that highlight the technological advancements and aesthetic developments of their respective periods.
The gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Maitreya stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and spiritual depth characteristic of Tang Dynasty religious sculptures. Its presence within Winchester College’ s Treasury not only
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