BUDDHA MAITREYA Bronze Tibet , 17th century Dimensions: Height 18 cm Weight: 729,7 grams The future Buddha seated on a throne with both legs pendent. The robe covers his right shoulder and ends at his ankles. Flowers grow beside him, the right one carrying a kundika, a ritual ewer. With his hands lifted in front of his chest he is turning the wheel of dharma, dharmachakra mudra. The middle finger of the right hand represents the 'hearers' of the teachings of the Buddha, the index finger represents the 'realizers’ of the teachings and the little finger represents the Mahayana or 'the great vehicle. The three extended fingers of the left hand represent the three jewels of the Buddhist principles: the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha. The gesture is held in front of the left side of the chest, or in front of the heart, meaning the teachings are straight from the Buddha's heart. Purchased: Christie's London May 2016, original Invoice available