Maitreya
is the Buddha of the future, who declines Nirvana and rests in celestial equipoise
until the time when he shall return to the samsaric realm to ease the suffering
of sentient beings and to lead them to the bliss of the Great Awakening.
This small statue of cast iron despite age and wear is a work of great
charm which posesses a lyrical quality enhanced by careful detail. The appealing
expression of the face with its large eyes and slight smile, the coiled hair,
strands of jewels, rosettes and flowing drapery show a high degree of skill and
sensitivity and lend an aura of purity and innocence to this work.