Rare Antique Pair of Solid Bronze Bodhisattvas (Avalokiteshvara) – Pala-Nepalese Style – ca. 16th-18th Century – 1,400 g
€1.680,00
One of a kind
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- Reference
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Exclusive Antique Pair of Solid Bronze Bodhisattvas – Early Pala-Nepalese Style – ca. 16th-18th Century – 1.40 kg
Specifications: Figure A: 14.4 x 8 cm | Image B: 14 x 8.5 cm | Total weight: ~1,400 grams (Lead-heavy, thick-walled casting) An exceptional, extremely rare, and guaranteed original antique pair (set of two) of bronze Bodhisattvas, including Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of infinite compassion). This matching, surviving couple was masterfully cast in the Himalayan region (Nepal / Tibet) around the 16th to 18th century according to the classic, early Pala-Nepalese school. Given the compact hand size, the combined weight of 1,400 grams of bronze is extremely heavy, attesting to a virtually solid monastic quality.
Why buy this unique pair? (Function & Protection)
In Himalayan culture, these kinds of precious altar sets are almost always torn apart over the centuries. Owning a complete, surviving pair brings a unique spiritual harmony to the room:
- Ultimate Compassion and Peace: Avalokiteshvara (recognizable by the upward-pointing lotus bud along the left shoulder) acts as the ultimate protector against fear, illness, and spiritual obstacles. His energy brings deep peace and harmony to the household or work environment.
- Balance and Symmetry (Yin & Yang): As a set, these two statues embody the perfect balance of Buddhist virtues (Wisdom and Compassion). They belong together historically and reinforce each other's protective effect on a traditional home altar.
- Ancient Devotional Power: Because these heavy bronzes have been actively worshipped and cherished for centuries, they possess a palpable historical soul. They instantly transform any space into a serene, exclusive environment that perfectly complements a luxurious white and gold style.
Irrefutable Metalworking Proof of Age
The bottoms and backs provide absolute, scientific proof of pure pre-industrial casting art, completely free from modern export junk or factory imitations:
- Individual Authentic Bottoms: The open bottoms show two different, natural aging processes. Figure A displays a thick, powdery green-blue crust of legitimate malachite and cuprite oxidation. Figure B shows a bone-dry, petrified layer of jet-black charcoal ash and incense soot, mixed with white borax crystals (the historical flux) that have sweated out of the metal pores. Cherished Wear & Chasing: The reverses show an insane contrast. One figure features a beautiful hand-engraved geometric textile pattern on the cloth, while the other displays the bright copper-green oxidation skin. The upper parts (knees, belly, and faces) have been polished to a soft golden-brown by generations of manual touch, while the deep crevices of the crowns and lotus thrones bear the original dark temple tarnish.
- Primitive Craftsmanship: The lower edges are irregular in thickness and display the fleshy metal structures of the early cire perdue (lost-wax) method, without modern grinding or machined surfaces.
Product details
| Style / Culture: | Himalaya region (Tibet / Nepal - Early Pala tradition) |
| Period: | ca. 16th – 18th Century (Fully antique) |
| Material: | Heavy, thick-walled cast bronze / copper-rich monastic alloy with remnants of fire gilding |
| Dimensions: | Image 1: 14.4 x 8 cm | Image 2: 14 x 8.5 cm |
| Weight: | ~700 grams each | Total weight set: ~1,400 grams |
| Condition: | Exceptional, pristine antique condition. 100% original pair with museum-quality, layered oxidation and patina. Nonsense-free top segment. |
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.
Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
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Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.
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