Page 34 - 2020 September 23 Himalyan and Southeast Asian Works of Art Bonhams

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A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF MAITREYA
KHASA MALLA, 13TH/14TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.16802
12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm) high

$400,000 - 600,000

卡薩馬拉王朝 十三/十四世紀 銅鎏金彌勒菩薩像

This magnificent gilt bronze sculpture of Maitreya, The Future Buddha, originates from the
enigmatic Khasa Malla kingdom, which ruled the Karnali Basin of western Nepal and part
of western Tibet between the 12th and 14th centuries. The bronze is quite exceptional, not
only for its size, being larger than most identified Khasa Malla bronzes, but also for its clear
refinement and beauty.

Maitreya, whose name derives from the Sanskrit word ‘maitri’, meaning ‘benevolence’ or ‘loving
kindness’, is shown seated here in lalitasana—a relaxed posture of ease—one leg folded and
the other pendant, while he leans on his left wrist. Despite his languid pose, his toes remain
flexed, which is a delightful detail that signals the bodhisattva remains alert from his celestial
abode to the suffering of others. With a puckered smile, he raises his right hand in abhaya
mudra to reassure his followers. From the sculpture’s base rise two exquisitely modeled lotuses
in bloom by his shoulders, the left supporting a kundika vase. The vase is an attribute used to
identify Maitreya, along with the miniature stupa surmounting his tall chignon.

Mastering both detail and form, the artist has created a resplendent gilded image with an
elegant presence. Draped over the figure’s left shoulder is an antelope skin, which is a relatively
uncommon iconographic feature for Maitreya in Tibetan art, more often seen in Nepalese and
Mongolian sculpture (e.g. HAR 21853, 57205, 61523 & 65413). The deerskin’s diminutive size
adds a sense of monumentality to the bodhisattva who wears it. Maitreya’s smooth, golden
skin and shapely physique provide a perfect foil for his jewelry’s crisp definition. Lavish silks in
the form of a short, pleated dhoti grace his thighs, incised with delicate patterns that attest to
the artist’s dexterity.

32 | BONHAMS