Yellow jade pendant "Maitreya," Qing dynasty, 19th century

Hetian yellow jade 黃玉 (Huáng yù) pendant carved in the shape of a drop and in relief a human figure, symbolizing the "Maitreya Buddha". According to Chinese Buddhism, this 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 shown as a large smiling Buddha, with rich cheeks and chest, holding a coin and treasure.

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

Size: 5.8 x 4 x 2.4 cm; Weight: 68 g