Image title: Maitreya (Tibet, 17th century)

This Bronze sculpture shows an image of Maitreya, from the 17th century origination from Tibet.—Materials used: Bronze, silver inlay.

Notes: Interlaced hands before the breast represent “Turning the Wheel of the Law“ (dharmacakra mudra). Characteristic of many Buddhist deities, it signifies teaching or preaching.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.