IMPORTANT AND LARGE CROWNED BRONZE BUDDHA MAITREYA.
Origin: China.
Dynasty: Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
16th-17th c.
Bronze; partly with finely engraved patterns. Lacquer gilt and partly painted with lacquer. Inside painted with minium red as typical for old bronzes.
The Buddha; also known as Budai or Milefo; sits in maharajalilasana on a cushion on which
his belt cord with tassels is shown. He is depicted with a light smile on his lips; with
an open garment over his full belly. The pillow and the robe borders are engraved with
fine lotus tendrils; which are mostly covered by gold lacquer on the robe. In the right
hand; he holds prayer beads; in his left hand; the open treasure bag; from which gold
ingots and other precious objects are peeking out. Long ribbons swing from the bow crown
to the shoulders; in the front of the leaves are small representations of the five
transcendental Tathagata Buddha.
Measurement: Height 38.5cm; width 30.5cm; depth 23.5cm.


Provenance:
Rhenish private collection. According to the previous owner; acquired in the 1970s from Kunsthandel Klefisch in Cologne.
Art trade; Van Ham.