This Buddha Maitreya from SpritStuff is a casting made from an original Netsuke, a traditional form of carved bead that has evolved into an artform in Japan, with facial features refined by creator Carol Williams, 

Maitreya (Sanskrit), Metteyya (Pali), or Jampa (Tibetan), is a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.

Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.

Carol of SpiritStuff enjoys making moulds and casting reproductions. The castings are made from a gypsum cement called Hydrostone. Carol uses this material for several reasons, but for her an important one is that it is not harmful to users or the environment. It acts like lime in the soil, so she can feel fine about disposing of the leavings in her garden. She's been a mould-maker for more than 30 years and Buddhas and Quan Yins are a favorite.

Details:

Handmade

Size: 2 1/8" h.

Material: hydrostone, acrylic paints and finishes