Lot 24: A Chinese Carved Boxwood Triptych Travelling Shrine of Maitreya Buddha

A carved boxwood travelling triptych shrine featuring high-relief Buddhist iconography. The central arched niche contains a seated figure of the Laughing Buddha, an incarnation of Maitreya, depicted with a prominent belly and a joyful expression while seated on a lotus throne. He is flanked by two standing attendants and backed by a flame-like mandorla. The two hinged side panels are carved with the Four Heavenly Kings (Caturmaharaja) in warrior attire, identifiable by their attributes. The background of each panel is filled with stylized cloud motifs and bordered by decorative scrollwork. The right exterior side of the wooden case features an incised inscription reading 彌勒菩薩 (Mi le pu sa), identifying the central figure as Maitreya Bodhisattva. The triptych is constructed from fine-grained light hardwood and fitted with brass hinges and a swivel clasp.