A fine gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya


16th century Seated on a double lotus base in dhyanasana with hands in dharmachakra mudra, the elegantly curving torso adorned with elaborate stone-inlaid jewellery and flanked by two lotus blossoms, the face with peaceful expression beneath a five-leaf crown. 19.2cm (7 5/8in) high.
|十六世紀 銅鎏金彌勒菩薩坐像Maitreya is here presented as a princely bodhisattva residing in Tushita heaven. The gentle face, characterised by a serene expression and downward gaze, is imbued with compassion, the essential quality a bodhisattva must possess. The flowers gracefully held by both hands represent the flowers from the naga-puspa, the tree beneath which Maitreya is believed to sit for his teachings on earth in a future aeon. Compare with a similar, but slightly larger, gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya, 16th century, which was sold at Christie's New York, 19 March 2014, lot 1001.