Tibetan Metalwork

19th century Burmese bronze temple bell with original carved hardwood stand, painted iron hanging bracket, and striker. This rare large scale cast bronze bell has a splendid sculptural and spiritual presence. The bell has a long inscription on the upper part. The offering of a bronze bell to a monastery or temple was considered second only to the offering of a Buddha image as an act of merit (kutho). Such bells were cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) method. Casting of such bells was auspicious with specific rituals being performed by the caster and sponsors to ensure the appropriate blessings. The bell here, as with all such Burmese bells...

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...

On offer is an impressively large and finely cast Sino-Tibetan gilt antiquebronze statue of Vajrasattva Bodhisattva, circa 19th century maybe earlier. The deity is depicted seating i...

Large vintage heavy bronze statue of Prince Pra Apai Manee playing a traditional Asian string instrument called "Zueng". This bronze has a dark green patina, the ceremonial costume and the jewelry are adorned with gold leaf. The base is adorned with some small bonsai trees. Very fine art work on cast bronze. Very fine Intricate decorative Asian art work...

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

Antique Asian Bronze buddhist bell Tibetan Meditation Prayer Ghanta Bell. Buddhist Tibetan Meditation Prayer Bell. A Bronze ritual bell "DRILBU" in Tibetan or commonly known as "Ghan...

An impressive copper alloy mask of an Arhat, disciple and follower of the Buddha (also known as Luohan in Chinese) from Tibetan Himalayan region circa 19th century. The larger-than-life mask has a striking iconic facial feature: large, rounded eyes under bushy eyebrows, wide nostrils, full lips and elongated earlobes. The molded mask is lined with a red lacquered linen-like textile on the back with seams still visible on the edge. Masks with realistic rendition of Arhats were not as common as the fantastical and fierce deity masks...

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

Vintage Buddhist protector deity statue bronze heavy, ornate, symbolic, fertility symbol door handle from old temple Heavy bronze door handle in the ...

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys....

This early 20th century Tibetan snuff bottle is delightfully ornate, crafted with silver metalwork and encrusted with colorful beads. The small bo...

A beautifully fashioned Bronze Bowl with traditional form, good weight and deep sound. The OM Mani Padme Hum Mantra, shown here in Tibetan script. OM Mani Padme Hum, sometimes trans...

Fine antique ceremonial antique indian cast bronze Puja spoon with brown patina. Indian Asian bronze Hindu ritual bronze spoon puja Achamani India Asia. Antique ceremonial spoon used during Hindu worship for offering holy water to deities, from Maharashtra. This Utharini is exceptionally well made, lotus shaped receptacle, the Hanuman sculpture...

Pair of exquisite bronze Thai Teppanom kneeling angel Buddha table lamps. These intricate bronze sculptures lamps, dating 1940’s to 1950’s, feature a dark green patina with gold det...

Vintage Tibetan Buddhist inlaid bronze singing bowl - featuring a cast central plaque with the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (golden fish, parasol, treasure vase, lotus flower...

This is a water ewer used in Tibetan ritual offerings to the "hungry ghosts". They have been reborn so, as a result of greed and avarice and are condemned to wander as spirits with b...

An unusually large antique Tibetan hammered copper ritual offering vessel or butter lamp with inset turquoise, 19th/20th century, circa 1900, Tibet. The hand hammered copper vessel...

A finely cast Himalayan bronze figure of Green Tara, depicted seated in vajra posture upon a double-lotus base. The deity is shown with a serene, gently smiling expression, her head ...

A monumental Nepalese gilt and polychrome copper-alloy sculpture of Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara, the Thousand-Armed manifestation of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan ...

A deep circular hammered bronze gong with center boss, suspended from a carved, painted and silver gilt stand. The stand with scrolled openwork decorated crest with center monstrous ...

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

Tibetan Bronze Horse Door Pull Handle Jumping Male Animal Shape Door Pull. Set of four Flying Horse Door Pull Handle Door Hardware. Brass Temple Door Handle Fertility Symbol, Nepal...

Vintage hanging metal incense burner from Nepal, a Himalayan censer for resin and incense, 7 in high. - 6.5”W x 6.5”D x 7”H - 1 lb

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

An antique Himalayan gilt bronze seated deity figure presented within a traditional openwork shrine form, cast and assembled using time-honored lost-wax techniques. The deity is depi...

A heavy and solidly cast, richly gilt, bronze caryatid figure from Densatil Monastery, Central Tibet, early 15th century or earlier. Cast in the form of two four armed figures standing back to back in tribhanga (thrice bent position) on a lotus platform, this piece would originally have served as a pillar for a larger seated deity...

A large and impressive vintage Nepalese parcel gilt copper repoussé "Makara" tripod incense burner, mid 20th century, circa 1950's, Nepal. The fantastic and dramatic large tripod ce...

This unusual bronze charm is the handle of a 19th-century ritual bell known as drilbu or ghanta, a ceremonial instrument that accompanies the dorje scepter in Tibetan Buddhist ritual...

This fine ceremonial ewer was made at the end of the 19th century and originates from the north Indian or Tibetan region. It is made in a very elegant form from plain patinated coppe...