Antique Maitreya Buddha Guardian Lion Shrine Southeast Asian Bronze Statue 彌勒菩薩

Antique Southeast Asian Bronze Shrine
Maitreya Buddha 彌勒菩薩
Padmasana Dharmachakra Mudra
Origin: Indonesia. Circa: 19th Century
H 21 in. (53cm), W 12 in. (30cm), D 7.5 in. (19cm)
Condition: aged patina, gilt loss, overall very good!

Seated in Padmasana lotus posture on a square plinth raised by a lokapala, with two roaring lions that symbolizes the perfection of wisdom, and a large aureole behind him that resembles two rings of fire, this parcel-gilt shrine evokes Maitreya in a lively presence, he is wearing a large crown over hair in rows of snail curves, large earrings and flowing headscarves framing his youthful features, dressed in traditional monks robes with two rows of pearl necklaces, his eyes downcast in deep meditation, with intricate fingers raised in dharmachakra teaching mudra, his smiling face is serene and sensitively detailed with bow-shaped lips and double eyelids. Attributed to loving-kindness, the Future Buddha’s countenance emanates a pervading equipoise with deep peace. Although the aged bronze has lost much of its gilding throughout, and overtime the base color of the metal has turned to a natural copper-red umber; overlapping crusts of oxidation are random flashes of malachite, which is distinctively pronounced on the back of the statue. Adding gravitas to this large Maitreya shrine is its 30 lbs. weight. The statue is well suited to be a centerpiece in a beautiful office or home.