This intricately crafted statue depicts Maitreya, the Future Buddha, who according to Buddhist tradition will descend from the Tushita Heaven to Earth to liberate all sentient beings. His appearance symbolizes hope, compassion, and the enduring power of the Buddha's teachings.
He sits on a throne with his feet placed on a small lotus pedestal in Bhadra Asana, the posture of joy. Maitreya wears the crown and rich jewelry of a Bodhisattva. He holds the stems of two lotus flowers in his hands. His hand gesture is that of setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion, Dharmachakra Mudra. A representation full of meaning and beauty.
The throne, the garment, and the small umbrella are decorated with fine filigree elements. Delicate silver-plated copper wires form ornamental patterns. Above the statue, a small decorated parasol floats, its top adorned with a drop-shaped crystal that captures the light. Behind the statue, there is a torana, an arch decorated with mythical creatures and floral elements, attached to the throne. The torana is gold-plated and partially painted.
The statue combines profound spiritual symbolism with outstanding Nepali craftsmanship. Carefully made, it is ideally suited for the Buddhist household altar, for meditative practice, and as a refined decorative piece.
Copper statue cast using the traditional lost-wax technique, decorated with fine filigree ornaments, gilded and silvered, adorned with colored stones and lapis lazuli. The face is set in gold. The background is cast in copper, gilded, and partly painted.
NOTE
The facial painting is a cold gold application and water-soluble.
Yala Craft by Shanta is an Asian company based in Germany. I sell my traditional Buddhist sculpture art, created in my own workshop in Nepal.