LOT 1112  A Gilt Bronze Figure of Standing Maitreya  

清 銅鎏金嵌寶彌勒佛立像 Standing on a single lotus base, the figure assumes an elegant pose with hands joined i...

清 銅鎏金嵌寶彌勒佛立像 Standing on a single lotus base, the figure assumes an elegant pose with hands joined in vitarka mudra. The shoulders are flanked by two blooming lotus flowers, and he is dressed in a long flowing skirt, adorned with turquoise-beaded jewelry. His gilt-painted face radiates a serene expression, while his tall, intricately crafted five-leaf crown frames a miniature stupa. Qing Dynasty period. Height: 6 3/4 in (17.1 cm) Width: 3 7/8 in (9.8 cm) Provenance: Property from a Southern California private collection The present sculpture was among the exceptional Chinese artifacts displayed at Pagoda Paris, the renowned headquarters of Galerie C.T. Loo & Cie., founded by the eminent collector and dealer C.T. Loo (Ching Tsai Loo, 1880–1957) (fig. 1). Situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris near Parc Monceau, Pagoda Paris remains a prominent landmark. Loo acquired the building in 1925 and, with the assistance of renowned architect Fernand Bloch, transformed it into a striking Chinese-style pagoda, its exterior painted in deep red. The lavishly decorated interior featured lacquer panels from Shanxi, paying homage to Loo’s birthplace and cultural heritage.