This is a gilt-bronze seated sculpture of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Dressed in jewelled bodhisattva outlook, he wears a crown and earrings in lotus shape. His keyura and clothings are simplistic yet elegant. Two lotus flowers grow beside his arms. Seated in lotus posture, his hands form the dharmacakra mudra in front of his chest. As a guardian of the Buddhist doctrines (dharma), his hands are often depicted to form a preaching hand gesture (dharmachakra mudra). The double lotus base is extensively decorated with a rim full of auspicious symbols. This attention to detail dedicated to the base suggests an earlier date.

Maitreya is the future Buddha, who is to succeed the Buddha Shakyamuni in the next Buddhist cosmological era. Since Maitreya would not assume Buddhahood until then, he retains his jewelled bodhisattva outlook. This sculpture is a fine piece with incredible turquoise inlays. These inlays are preserved surprisingly well compared to the sculpture’s general condition. Sternly looking forward, this figure successfully captures the authoritative aura of the bodhisattva, showing his readiness to assume Buddhahood. Combining artistic attainment, exquisite craftsmanship, and religious sanctity, this elegant likeliness of Bodhisattva Maitreya embodies the beauty of both art and piety.

- Danny Ching