Item: Maitreya (Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity)

Maitreya (Tibetan: cham pa, English: Love): designated as the future Buddha and bodhisattva of loving-kindness.

Peaceful, lavishly adorned with gold, jewels and silks, he holds the right hand in the mudra of blessing at the heart grasping the stem of a lotus flower blossoming at the shoulder supporting a Dharma wheel. The left hand placed at the side holds a lotus supporting a water flask. A stupa adorns the crown of the head. With the legs together he stands atop a moon disc and lotus seat surrounded by an elaborate nimbus studded with wishing jewels.

Jeff Watt 2-2000