A TERRACOTTA MAITREYAAncient region of Gandhara, 4th-5th centuryThe divinity sitting on a pedestal in the shape of a floral corolla, the right hand raised and with the palm open, the left hand resting on the dress to hold the vial which is the usual attribute of Maitreya, the head turned to the left, the long hair gathered in a sort of turban enriched on the front by a shell ornament, the face with youthful features and mustaches, the circular halo engraved with a frieze of triangles.95 cm highProvenance: Italian private collection.* The present lot is offered with export license.* The thermoluminescence carried out on 21/3/2013 from Oxford Authentication confirms the proposed dating.