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Monumental 18th-century Buddha Shakyamuni from Ladakh — Fire-gilded Bronze – Sculpture
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Monumental 18th-century Buddha Shakyamuni from Ladakh — Fire-gilded Bronze

€8,500Bid from €7,650
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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Monumental Timelessness from the Western Himalayas In the thin, sacred silence of the Ladakhi monasteries, masterpieces were created for centuries that blurred the line between the earthly and the divine. This monumental and exceptionally heavy fire-gilded bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni (37.5 cm high and 4,200 grams of solid bronze) is such a rare relic of devotional art of the highest caliber. Originating from the Mid-Qing Dynasty (18th century), it embodies the unique cultural synthesis of the Western Himalayas, where Tibetan mysticism, Nepalese (Newar) metal casting techniques, and Central Asian refinement merged. This is not a decorative object, but a museum-worthy altarpiece imbued with centuries of spiritual energy. Specifications & Price Product Type: Monumental Antique Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue Identification: Buddha Shakyamuni (Gautama Buddha) Dimensions: Height 37.5 cm × Width 25.5 cm Weight: 4.2 kg (very solid, heavy bronze) Dating & Provenance: 18th century, Ladakh (Western Himalayas) Asking Price: Offers Welcome The Authentic Evidence: Material-Technical Analysis For the discerning collector and connoisseur, the physical construction of this statue reveals undeniable historical integrity. The surface and finish bear the indelible marks of traditional 18th-century mastery: Rich Fire-Gilding (Mercury Gilding): The statue features a thick, warm, and 'greasy' gold layer. Beautiful, soft age-related wear on the bridge of the nose, the cheeks, and the highest protruding parts attests to generations of ritual polishing and devotional touches. Cold Working: In the deeper folds of the neck and robes, the original manual parallel file and abrasion marks are visible. The gilding flows seamlessly into these scratches, irrefutably proving that the working took place pre-gilding. Robe & Geometric Decoration: The hem of the robe is exquisitely engraved with a complex weave of successive circular patterns, designed to mimic the texture of precious fabrics. Hair Details & Altar Traces: The characteristic snail shell curls are each individually hand-chiseled. In the crevices, there is an undisturbed, felt-like layer of centuries-old incense residues and soot from butter lamps. Facial Details & Cold Gold: The serene face with its almond-shaped eyes still retains subtle remnants of the sacred ritual 'cold gold' (fine gold powder) and dark pigments in the eyelids and nostrils. The Secrets of the Interior The true identity and age of a Himalayan altarpiece often reveal themselves on the underside. This piece possesses all the characteristics that experts consider the ultimate guarantee of authenticity: Open Underside: The statue was crafted without a base plate. This is fully in line with the tradition of larger monastery statues from Ladakh, which were periodically opened for re-consecration or anchored directly to the temple floor. Original Consecration Straw (Zung): Deep in the corners of the robust casting edges are authentic, organic materials such as dried barley straw and Himalayan mountain herbs, perfectly preserved by the dry mountain climate. Casting Core & Crystal Formation: The interior shows the original clay casting core (lost-wax method) with natural shrinkage cracks and characteristic white salt crystals (efflorescence). This mineral efflorescence arises exclusively through a centuries-long chemical process in which residual salts from the clay core react with the metal and ambient moisture. Investing in Heritage This 18th-century Buddha statue represents a rare acquisition for the enthusiast of Asian art and museum-quality antiquities. With its substantial weight, impeccable provenance from Ladakh, and untouched patina, this work represents a unique balance between aesthetic beauty and historical authenticity. This exceptional piece is immediately available for inclusion in your collection via the Sales Register of 1stbuddha. Additional details: - Brand: 1stbuddha - Style: Tibetaanse Boeddhistisch - Style: Himalayaans - Material: Vuurverguld Brons - Colour: Goud - Colour: Donker - Period: 18e eeuw - availability: in_stock - product_type: Beeld / sculptuur
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionVery goodSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup

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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales