QING DYNASTY, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

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.

A figure of Maitreya in a similar pose dating to the 15th century was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2008, lot 615.