Large Seated Maitreya, Ming copy of the Silla Maitreya (National Treasure no. 83) - Bronze - China - Ming Dynastie (1368 - 1644)

A magnificent antique Chinese high quality bronze statue depicting a seated Maitreya (the future Buddha), standing on a raised throne. The statue is seated on a round pedestal and posed with its right leg crossed over its left knee while the figure's right hand is touching its cheek and the left hand rests on the crossed leg. This contemplative pose was a popular subject of Buddhist art and the archetype spread from India to China and Korea and then to Japan. Other common similarities of the Maitreya statues of this style is the use of drapery on the seat on which the figure sits. This Chinese depictions of the drapery that the Maitreya sits on are more formal.
Handcrafted in ancient Imperial China during the late Ming dynasty, ca. 1600-40. On the bottom nicely shaped feet, showing age and material. Guaranteed original and of the stated period. Magnificent patina, according to age. Solid and heavy piece.

Literature: The original one (impressive 93,5 centimeter and of earlier period) is in the National Museum of Korea: A gilt-bronze statue of a seated Maitreya (the future Buddha). Silla, early 7th century CE. (National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea). In Korean it is frequently referred to as pan'gasayusang. It is the National Treasure of Korea No. 83.
Another one, The Miroku bosatsu is at the Koryu-ji Temple of Kyoto, which is one of the Japanese National Treasures, is the twin of the statue in Korea. The Miroku is carved from red pine and may be the statue the Nihon Shoki mentions that a King of Silla sent to the Yamato court. The statues both share the elegant contemplative pose, highly proportional figures, realistic draperies, slim bodies, and plain tri-fold crowns.

The statue is often compared to Auguste Rodin's work, The Thinker because of its contemplative pose.

Height: 26,2 centimeter

Condition: The object is in very good condition with magnificent patina, without any damages or restorations; except for some manufacturing flaws. The condition is carefully checked with strong UV-light and bright translucent white light.

Shipping method: This lot will be securely packed and shipped with insurance, without stand.

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