TIBET OR WESTERN HIMALAYAS, 12TH-13TH CENTURY

The stupa in the crown identifies the present figure as the bodhisattva Maitreya. This lustrous and diminutive bronze is imbued with the elegant characteristics of early Western Himalayan sculptural tradition: the tripartite crown secured with billowing streamers; the highly arched brows; the twisted jatas cascading down the shoulders; the shawl and dhoti incised with geometric and foliate motif; the beaded ornaments with teardrop jewels; and the use of precious silver inlay at the urna, necklaces and sacred thread.