Large Antique Chinese Bronze
Maitreya Buddha
In Teaching Gesture
Dated: Xuande reign, Ming, circa: 1426-1435
H 21.7" (55cm) x W 12.5" 32cm x D 9.5" (24cm),
Weight : 10.5Kg

This large Buddha sculpture shows an unmistakable influence from a 10th century Tibetan style Maitreya prototype (Currently in the collection of The State Hermitage , Leningrad). Executed by a Chinese master, the Future Buddha represented here is sitting in a benevolent pose (bhadrasana), with both legs pendant, and his hands held in front of his chest, poised in the dharmacackra mudra, his face with benevolent expression, delicately arched eyebrows, pearl shaped circular urna, almond shaped eyes slightly down cast, and a smiling bow-shaped mouth clearly indicates his distinctive Chinese origin. More noticeably, the rectangular base and flows of draperies in an almost completely symmetrical design, absence of ornaments and incised patterns on the Buddha's Ming Court imperial robe are stylistically in the Ming tradition. Since the bronze is dated Xuande (1426-1435), Buddhism of the time was imbued with strong Confucius influence. Hence, the Tibetan image of Maitreya remains true to its form, but distinctively transformed with the elegant Ming style in a Chinese Buddha.

PRIVATE COLLECTION