Lot 6 Dα

A rare and exquisite Sinotibetan or Mongolian gilt bronze figure of Maitreya. 17th/18th century

A rare and exquisite Sinotibetan or Mongolian gilt bronze figure of Maitreya, seated in European way (bhadrasana) on a rectangular stepped throne with his feet resting on a circular lotus blossom. His hands are in the gesture of turning the Wheel of Law (dharmacakra mudra) and hold the stems of two lotus flowers, supporting the water vessel (kundika) and the Wheel of Law (cakra). He wears a dhoti with beaded jewellery, a shawl billowing elegantly around his arms, and he is richly adorned with a five-leafed tiara with beaded strands resting gracefully on his forehead, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, all inset with coral and turquoise. The face and body are ungilded, but display a smooth deep brown patina, the eyes and lips are painted with pigments. The base is sealed, the base plate with an incised double-vajra. 17th/18th century.
Height 37 cm