Page 19 - Maitri CollectionAsian Art Bonhams

Maitreya, the Future Buddha, was also an important deity in Nepal, seen in a
number of works from the Malla period and beautifully rendered in the c. 14th
century example in this catalogue. 10

A notable feature of Transitional and Early Malla period sculpture, particularly
in works produced for Nepalese patrons, is the inevitable presence of wear.
One expects to see partial loss of gilding, some movement in the soft copper
metal, and the gentle abrasion of surfaces that occurs over centuries of ritual
handling. In Nepal, images were worshipped with fine, colored powders and
with curds, milk, honey and sugar. They were bathed. They were exposed
to the smoke of incense and candles. They consequently bear the signs of
aging that naturally occurs on treasured images that are many centuries old.
And yet, despite such wear, Nepalese works of the Transitional and Early
Malla periods retain a gracious presence. As described by Stella Kramrisch,
they appear “…as if listening to the voice within which invests them with their
radiance.” 11

10 See von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, vol. 1, no.170A.
11 Stella Kramrisch, The Art of Nepal, New York, 1964, p.40.

THE MAITRI COLLECTION OF INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 17