經碳十四測驗，結果與斷代相吻合。

紐約蘇富比2007年9月21日，編號24

The overall structure of the sculpture is complete, with the exception of two replaced fingers on the left hand. It stands on a wood stand, probably custom-made by Yamanaka in Japan. There is no evidence that there would have originally been a separately cast bronze stand.The sculpture is hollow cast. It has been later applied with an additional devotional layer of gilt-lacquer consisting of gold leaf. Elements of this more fragile area, extending to the folds of the robes and clearly visible on the reverse, has flaked off. The losses expose original casting flaws and foundry repairs. These are clearly visible in the catalogue photo, as are the areas of rubbing to the gilding on the face. Other than this, and typical minor bruises to the fragile extremities including the collar and the hems of the robe, the sculpture is in good condition. It is a superlative example of unparalleled size.A scientific report prepared by John Twilley is available upon request.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

亂世明燈未來佛

「天下大亂，彌勒下生，明王出世。」

元末飽受旱荒水災之苦，社會動盪不安，白蓮🌳教教主韓山童打著以上口號反元，鼓吹起事。韓氏主張之中心教義乃彌勒佛，承繼釋迦牟尼佛，下世救渡眾生。1351年，韓氏過世不久後，教徒之一朱元璋竄升為漢軍領袖，對抗蒙元✤，1368年創立大明，稱帝洪武，「明」取自韓氏口號。

鎏金彌勒立像，莊嚴碩大，慈輝耀人，其鑄造芯材經年代測試確認🎃為元末至洪武時期，亂世遺珍，實屬不易。造像為印度優填王朝為烏仗那式風格，傳承犍陀羅佛🍎教造像藝術，殊勝非凡。元末明初，時局紛亂，留存史料鮮少，多數造像已毀佚，據當時各宗教派推論，可見彌勒佛信仰曾盛極一時，而如此巨碩之造像應運而生。彌勒佛身居淨土兜率天，未來將下生人間教化眾生。

此像風格近類紐約大都會藝術博物館藏一尊鎏金銅彌勒造像，紀年486年，手作無畏印和與願印，身著由雙肩下垂之典型僧袍，衣褶如波浪流動，見 Denise Patry Leidy，〈Notes on a Buddha Maitreya sculpture dated 486 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York〉，《Oriental Art Magazine》，卷15，第3期，2005🌱/6年，頁22-32。

一尊造形、法相均與此像甚為相近之鎏金銅彌勒立像，尺寸較小（50.2公分高），應出自同一作坊，2009年9月16日售於紐約蘇富比，編號12（圖一），二十世紀初購自大阪山中商會，不僅風格類同，且配有相似木座，可推測本像或也曾為山中商會經手。烏仗那式彌勒造像傳統延續至永樂時期，Speelman 舊藏💎一像，銘永樂年款，2006年10月7日售於香港蘇富比，編號803。晚明銅製佛像，風格與此大相逕庭，衣袍多作自然飄動之姿，無規整波浪衣褶。手蹼特徵亦失，僅能見於如同此例之早期造像。