Lot 315. A gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya, Ming dynasty, 16th century. Height 8 7/8  in., 22.6 cm. Estimate USD 30,000 — 50,000. Lot sold 187,500 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the corpulent jovial figure cast seated and at ease, holding a small attribute in the proper left hand, the rotund belly protruding from a loosely draped robe with chased lotus meander borders secured at the waist with a tasseled belt, raised on a rounded cushion, supported on a floral scroll-decorated domed base, the reverse bearing a Tibetan inscription.

Provenance: The Chang Foundation Collection.

Literature: Jintongfo zaoxiang tulu/Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, pl. 24.