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Lot Essay
Maitreya Buddha governs two perfected worlds: Tushita Heaven, which he currently inhabits, and Ketumati, an ideal realm conducive to the pursuit of enlightenment where he will serve as the teaching Buddha.
Compare the gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya with similar treatment of the face and hair, but with more elaborate treatment of the drapery, illustrated in Zhongguo liu shi hai wai fo jiao zao xiang zong he tu mu (Comprehensive Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Buddhist Statues in Overseas Collections), vol. 4, Beijing, 2005, p. 888, where it is dated Tang dynasty. Also illustrated, p. 770, is a gilt-bronze figure of the seated Buddha, dated later Sui/early Tang dynasty, 1st half of the 7th century, formerly in the Stoclet Collection, with similar treament of the face, hair and drapery.
Compare the gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya with similar treatment of the face and hair, but with more elaborate treatment of the drapery, illustrated in Zhongguo liu shi hai wai fo jiao zao xiang zong he tu mu (Comprehensive Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Buddhist Statues in Overseas Collections), vol. 4, Beijing, 2005, p. 888, where it is dated Tang dynasty. Also illustrated, p. 770, is a gilt-bronze figure of the seated Buddha, dated later Sui/early Tang dynasty, 1st half of the 7th century, formerly in the Stoclet Collection, with similar treament of the face, hair and drapery.