Late Qing Dynasty, circa: 19th century
h.20.5in.(61cm.) X w.5.5 in.(14cm.) X d. 4 in.(10cm.)
Condition: Very good, minor chips due to age
This
beautiful marble statue is ingrained with tiny gold and silver specks which these
photos have failed to capture. It is a vigorous standing Buddha radiates with
detached spiritual expression, and may well be an excellent example of Qing stone
carving. The statue represents the Future Buddha Maitreya, his face is broadly
handled, he appears to be intensely focused, with a gentle smile that is both
warm and charmingly human. The Buddha's body is slightly elongated, he stands
on a double lotus pedestal, right hand raised in a gesture of no fear (abhaya
mudra), and the left in the gesture of charity (varada mudra), wearing a tightly
fitted robe, carved in round and stylistically contrasted with angular pleats.
In spite of its small size, this marble statue possesses a monumental grandeur
usually belonging to larger stone carvings.