Page 63 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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A gilt copper alloy figure
of Maitreya
Tibet, 16th/17th century
Seated in bhadrasana on a trapezoidal
throne, displaying dharmachakrapavartina
mudra giving rise to lotus stems that blossom
the chakra and water pot by his shoulders.
8 5/8 in. (21.8 cm) high
$20,000 - 30,000

Maitreya’s prescribed posture and hand
gesture correspond to the belief that he will
perpetually teach at his residence in Tushita
heaven until it is time for him to descend into
this world as the next Buddha.

Compare a similar non-gilt example sold at
Christie’s, Amsterdam, 26 April 1993, lot 91,
and another published in von Schroeder, Indo-
Tibetan Bronzes, vol. II, Hong Kong, 2002, p.
1062, no. 271A. Also see Spink Ltd., The Mirror
of the Mind, London, 1995, p. 32, no. 21.

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41238.html

Provenance
Private US Collection since 1980s

Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art | 61