White jade pendant "Maitreya Buddha", late Qing dynasty

Hetian white jade pendant carved in one piece. It represents Buddha "Maitreya Buddha", the Buddhist Bodhisattva, whose name is a transliteration from Sanskrit. According to Chinese Buddhism, he has been designated as the successor of "Sakyamuni Buddha". The Chinese name of the next Buddha is "弥勒菩萨" (Mílè púsà) or "Bodhisattva Maitreya". In this case, he is standing, dressed in a long robe and carrying a treasure in the right hand. With the other hand he holds his belt. The cheeks, chest and belly are profuse.

At the upper end he has a pendant with a bead (posterior).

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Size: 7.3 x 2.8 x 3.8 cm; Weight: 118 g