A very rare and fine gilt-bronze figure of Maitreya
17th/18th centuryExpertly cast standing, the peaceful facial expression set within a high elaborate openwork crown enclosing a stupa at the centre, the top knot hair with adorned with a foliate ornament, cascading over the shoulders, wearing a long flowing robe adorned at the hems with incised foliate scrolls, open to reveal a tied sash over the undergarments below the beaded necklaces, the hands held in abhaya and dhyana mudras, the bejewelled feet protruding below the long robes, raised on an oval double-lotus pedestal between beaded borders, with blue and red pignments on the crown and hair. 32.2cm (12 5/8in) high.