White jade figurine ‘Heavenly Maitreya Buddha’, Tang dynasty

Sculpture carved in white jade with a natural patina due to ageing, representing the Buddha Maitreya (天宫弥勒佛). The figure is shown seated in a meditative posture on a double lotus-shaped base in padmāsana position. The hands perform a symbolic gesture: the right hand shows the vitarka mudrā (gesture of teaching), while the left hand rests on the lap in an attitude of serenity.

The body is ornamented with jewels and necklaces, and the head is crowned with a tall five-pointed diadem decorated with semi-precious stones set in settings. On either side of the torso, lotus flowers emerge from a vegetal composition with an undulating stem that frames the figure and ascends to form a complex openwork mandorla. The mandorla is decorated with scrolls, floral elements and a dharma wheel (dharmachakra) at its apex, a symbol of Buddhist teaching.

The carving shows delicate and refined workmanship, especially in the details of the face and the folds of the robe, which reinforces its devotional or ritual character. Tang Dynasty (618 - 906) or later.

Size: 31.5 x 8.2 x 15.5 cm

Weight: 2816 g

Provenance:

· Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980