A TIBETO-CHINESE GILT-BRONZE SCULPTURE OF MAITREYA

18TH CENTURY

The Bodhisattva Maitreya stands in tribhanga asana on a lotus throne, his hands are at his chest in dharmachakra (teaching) mudra and his attributes are placed on top of two lotus flowers which blossom at his shoulders, they are a wheel chakra symbol of Buddha's first sermon and a vessel kundika for ritual libations. Maitreya's face exhibits a joyful, tranquil expression, he is adorned with a five-leaf crown and with Bodhisattva jewellery. The original consecration is intact, 13.4cm, 290g.

Provenance: a London collection since 2007.