Maitreya Altarpiece, Northern Wei Dynasty

WHO: Buddha Maitreya (Mile), descending into our world "to guide the deceased" to their rebirth in Tushita Heaven (Leidy, 84).
WHAT: Gilt Bronze Altarpiece
WHEN: Northern Wei Dynasty, dated 524 (early sixth century)
WHY: Commissioned by Kaizhi "on behalf of his deceased son," so that "the son and other relatives will eventually be reunited in the presence" of the Buddha Maiteya (Leidy, 84).
HOW: Bronze casting with gilding in Luoyang style