This exquisite painting by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa is of Maitreya, the future Buddha. It is believed that Maitreya is the successor to the present Buddha, Shakyamuni, and will appear on Earth, achieve enlightenment and teach the dharma. The piece displays Maitreya sitting on his golden throne under a garuda-topped torana, giving a prayer to his followers. Ratnasambava Buddha is depicted in the top left corner. 

This stunning artwork displays Thapa's mastery of the 13th - 16th century Newar Design style through its rich color palette, precise lines, and use of traditional iconography while clearly expressing his artistic freedom and creativity. Rather than depicting the diety facing straight forward, the artist turns Maitreya to the side, opening the painting to allow for a greater story to be told.

This original thangka, or paubha in Nepal, is painted in the traditional style with ground mineral pigments on primed cotton canvas. The Buddha is painting with warm yellow orpiment and the rich red background is composed of cinnabar. The gold elements, such as Maitreya's crown and jewelry, are painstakingly painted with 24 carat gold. A painting of this size takes several months to compose, sketch and complete. 

This original 89 cm painting is available to the discerning art lover. If you are interested, please email for more information.