Maitreya Bodhisattva

NEPAL

The figure is identified as Maitreya by the presence of a stupa fronting the topknot. The hair is woven into numerous braids and confined by a circlet. The Bodhisattva stands in a sinuous posture, left foot forward and waist swaying. The figure’s right hand is in vitarka (teaching) mudra, with the variation that a wisdom pearl is contained between the thumb and forefinger. The left hand holds a vase at the same time as steadying the flying sash worn diagonally across the thighs. An antelope skin is draped over the left shoulder, and a sacred thread falls from there to the thigh. A knotted belt secures the nearly transparent skirt that covers the lower body. The figure’s costume and lithe posture give it a dynamic and commanding presence.