Past Life as Maitreya

CHINA; Ming dynasty

The name “Maitreya” means benevolence or kindness. Maitreya Bodhisattva is thought to one day succeed Sakyamuni Buddha in becoming the future Buddha. Currently residing in the Tusita Heaven, Maitreya, in accordance with Sakyamuni’s prophecy, will be born into the Saha world, attain enlightenment, and subsequently deliver the Dharma to sentient beings who are without the Buddha’s teachings.
The four characters of this seal are carefully distributed within an orderly and balanced composition. Strokes are even in thickness throughout their executions, with the exception of their connecting points where they appear as if they have been welded together. The carving style is strong and sharp, and the contours of the characters resemble that of an iron-wire drawing.
Wang Guan, whose original name was Dongyang and was also known as Gaoshu, was a seal engraver from Anhui, but lived most of his life in Luodong, Jiangsu. He specialized in Qin and Han seal scripts, utilizing a carving method that was steady, clean, and ample. His seal style, later referred to as the Luodong school, is clear and concise, with upright and elegant characters that exhibit refined craftsmanship.