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ID #SA1224205
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£11,500
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A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, Circa 1780
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €13,455     $14,605
£11,500
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, Circa 1780

18th century
Description

A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, circa 1780

This exceptional bronze depicts the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara, seated in the meditative vajraparyankasana posture upon a finely cast, waisted double-lotus base. The deity’s hands are crossed at the chest in the vajrahumkara mudra, representing the harmonious union of wisdom and compassion.

The figure is adorned with the intricate jewelry of a bodhisattva, including a five-leaved crown, cascading necklaces, armlets, and anklets, all rendered with remarkable precision. The dhoti is finished with delicately incised floral and geometric borders, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship typical of late 18th-century imperial-style workshops. The face is cast with a serene, meditative expression, featuring downcast eyes and a small mouth detailed with traditional red pigment. The hair is styled in a high ushnisha, topped with a flaming jewel, and retains significant traces of its original blue cold-painted pigment.

Condition Report

The bronze is in excellent, original condition, preserving its historical integrity. It exhibits a warm, authentic patina and expected, age-related wear to the fire-gilding on the high points—such as the hands, knees, and lotus petals—which attests to its ritual history and preservation over the last two and a half centuries. The base remains sealed with its original copper plate, which is incised with a prominent vishvavajra (double-vajra) motif.

Specifications

Dimensions: 13 cm in height.

Weight: 521 grams.

Material: Gilt-copper alloy with traces of original cold-painting.

Period: 18th Century, circa 1780.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Sino Tibetan Vajradhara Statue to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1224205
Description
A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, circa 1780
“
This exceptional bronze depicts the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara, seated in the meditative vajraparyankasana posture upon a finely cast, waisted double-lotus base.
Sandbanks Antiques

The deity’s hands are crossed at the chest in the vajrahumkara mudra, representing the harmonious union of wisdom and compassion.

fig 1. An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
fig 1. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, Circa 1780

The figure is adorned with the intricate jewelry of a bodhisattva, including a five-leaved crown, cascading necklaces, armlets, and anklets, all rendered with remarkable precision. The dhoti is finished with delicately incised floral and geometric borders, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship typical of late 18th-century imperial-style workshops. The face is cast with a serene, meditative expression, featuring downcast eyes and a small mouth detailed with traditional red pigment. The hair is styled in a high ushnisha, topped with a flaming jewel, and retains significant traces of its original blue cold-painted pigment.

fig 2. An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
fig 2. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, Circa 1780

Condition Report

The bronze is in excellent, original condition, preserving its historical integrity. It exhibits a warm, authentic patina and expected, age-related wear to the fire-gilding on the high points—such as the hands, knees, and lotus petals—which attests to its ritual history and preservation over the last two and a half centuries. The base remains sealed with its original copper plate, which is incised with a prominent vishvavajra (double-vajra) motif.

fig 3. An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
fig 3. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, Circa 1780

Specifications

Dimensions: 13 cm in height.

Weight: 521 grams.

Material: Gilt-copper alloy with traces of original cold-painting.

Period: 18th Century, circa 1780.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Sino Tibetan Vajradhara Statue to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1224205
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
1 / 12
Archive I An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.

A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, circa 1780

Archive II An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View II
Archive III An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 174
Items Sold 79
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
174
Sold
79
An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Figure of Vajradhara, 18th Century, circa 1780
Ref: SA1224205
An 18th-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure depicting the deity Vajradhara seated in meditation upon a double lotus pedestal.
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FAQs

Vajradhara is regarded in Tibetan Buddhism as the ultimate primordial Buddha and source of wisdom. Sino-Tibetan figures of this deity were produced predominantly during the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting stylistic influences from both Nepal and imperial Chinese workshops.

These sculptures were traditionally cast in bronze using the lost-wax technique before being mercury-gilded to achieve a durable gold finish. Accents were often hand-painted using mineral pigments, such as lapis lazuli powder for hair detailing.

Authentic 18th-century pieces typically feature heavy cast bronze, detailed hand-chasing on the drapery and jewellery, and uneven gilding wear along exposed edges. The underside of the base often retains an original copper baseplate marked with a double vajra.

Sculptures of this nature function well as focal points on dark wood sideboards, floating wall shelves, or within glass display cabinets. Pairing the golden metal tones with minimalist surfaces or rich fabrics creates a balanced visual contrast.

To preserve the original gilding and pigments, wipe the surface gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a natural hair brush. Avoid liquids, chemical polishes, and direct sunlight, which can degrade sensitive paint remnants over time.
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