Images: Mystical Motherhood: Statues of Maya and Heavenly Beings

Maya, at center, flanked by her heavenly visitors. (© Muda Tomohiro)

The Buddha appears from his mother’s right sleeve. (© Muda Tomohiro)

Standing statue of Shakyamuni at birth, Shōgenji, Komaki, Aichi Prefecture (on long-term loan to the Nara National Museum). (© Muda Tomohiro)