TANG Dynasty Chinese gilt bronze Maitreya Buddha. The Love, the bodhisattva of loving kindness and the coming buddha of the future aeon - currently residing in the Tushita heaven.
With serene face and two hands, Maitreya Buddha is youthful and smiling, Athe eyes beneath the crowned hair. The right hand held upward with arm slightly bend, the palm of the right hand faces outwards and the fingers are joined in an upright position, performed the mudra (gesture) of blessing and explication of the Dharma. The left hand extended accorss the left knee and slightly hangs down by the side of the body, in the mudra of generosity extended across the left knee. Adorned with gold and jewel ornaments, a crown, necklaces, he wears various flowing silk scarves and lower robes; seated in a western style on a rectangular pedestal throne with the legs pendent and cross-ankle above hardwood pedestal.
Measurements: Height: 12" Width: 7 1/4"
Stand: Height: 4 1/4" Width 8"

PROVENANCE: From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982.
With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married.
While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training.
With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled.
His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after.


The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither presented and offered up to auctions from Lot-140 through Lot-153, continued from Lot-268 through Lot-324, continued from Lot-415 through Lot-429, and Lot-439.

In Excellent condition over all.
All lots are sold as is and where is. Lauren Galleries provides condition reports upon request to aide in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, Lauren Galleries does not give refunds based on condition. Lauren Galleries does not perform any shipping or packing services. We do have a list of suggested shippers who gladly provide quotes prior to your bidding. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.