Image title: Maitreya (Tibet, 16th century)

This Copper sculpture shows an image of Maitreya, from the 16th century origination from Tibet.—Materials used: Copper alloy, gilt, paint.

Note: Rarely do any male deities except Maitreya and occasionally the Buddha sit “European fashion” with pendant legs but some Mother Goddesses do. Called by various Sanskrit names, the position denotes royalty.

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.