Antique bronze Buddha statue with openwork elephant pedestal 34cm

An antique bronze figure of the Buddha, probably made in Nepal or the wider Himalayan region. Seated in meditation, the Buddha extends his right hand towards the earth in bhumisparsha mudra, recalling the moment when the earth was called to witness his enlightenment. His left hand rests open in his lap.

The elaborately pierced pedestal is particularly distinctive. Elephants and a central figure are worked into its architectural decoration, giving the sculpture the presence of a small altar image and setting it apart from more restrained devotional bronzes.

Traditionally hollow cast and finished by hand, the bronze has developed warm golden to olive-brown tones, darker deposits and localised green and reddish oxidation. Age and handling are visible in the recesses and around the joins. The underside reveals the irregular casting structure and remnants of the old core.

Its compact modelling, iconography and animated pedestal point to a Himalayan workshop, most probably Nepal. In the absence of documented provenance, this attribution should remain cautious. Probably 19th to early 20th century.

A characterful devotional sculpture whose richly detailed elephant pedestal gives it unusual visual and sculptural interest.

Details

• Origin: probably Nepal / Himalayan region
• Date: probably 19th to early 20th century
• Material: bronze
• Technique: traditionally hollow cast and hand finished
• Condition: natural patina, oxidation and wear consistent with age

Dimensions

H 34 × W 23 cm
Weight: approximately 4 kg

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

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