Maitreya & Five Arhats

Maitreya
《MIROKU》
My Maitreya has nothing to do with religion; it is my questioning of the current state of traditional Chinese handicrafts. My Maitreya has nothing to do with rebellion; it is my reflection on traditional sculpture with reverence.

Having experienced the frustrations of the outside world, I miss the prosperity of Jingdezhen. In Jingdezhen, Maitreya is the most common type of craft sculpture, and its constant replication has robbed it of its soul.

The Maitreya Man in a Hoodie: A Fusion of Differences in Eastern and Western Sculptural Cultures; The Coexistence of Differences in Eastern and Western Aesthetic Standards.

Tolerance, wisdom, self-deprecation, and composure still stand out.

Five Arhats
《MIROKU》
With the existence of "Maitreya", there came "Five Arhats", but my "Five Arhats" is still unrelated to religion.

According to folklore, Maitreya Bodhisattva's bag can take away children's misfortunes. Therefore, starting from the Five Dynasties period, the image of Maitreya Buddha with children has been popular and is known as the "Five Arhats".

From a Buddhist perspective, the five children playing with Maitreya has a deeper meaning, symbolizing the severing of the five senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body. These five senses are the five sense objects; only by cutting off these sense objects and turning inward can one attain enlightenment.
Regardless, "Five Arhats" remains my reflection on the future of traditional Chinese sculptural art. I simply want to create something unique, something with soul.
My "Five Arhats" is joyful, auspicious, and beautiful!