South
East Asian Bronze Buddha Statue Maitreya
Future Buddha Under Banyan Tree Indonesian,
circa: early 20th century H
10 in.(25.5cm), W 4.5 in.(11.5cm), D 3.75 in.(9.5cm)
Condition: patinated with minor rust, o.a. very good The
Banyan tree represents eternal life, spreading and thriving as its ever expanding
width. In nature, the roots of the tree grow down from its horizontal canopy,
creating the effect of a widening circle once the branches reach the ground and
merge with the bulk of its central trunk. The Sanskrit name, Bahupada translates
as ’one with many feet’. In this Indonesian bronze, Maitreya, the future Buddha,
sits beneath a Banyan tree. He is flanked by a gift bearing elephant and monkey.
The bronze is well cast in a bell shape, the trunk of the tree opening up to reveal
a hollow cavity. Green patches of cuprite spot the bronze branches of the Banyan
tree. A lovely piece in good condition.
Private Collection
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