What is the history and origin of Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze sculptures?

Sino-Tibetan gilt bronzes represent a fusion of Chinese metalworking techniques and Tibetan Buddhist iconography, flourishing particularly during the Qing Dynasty. These items were produced both in imperial workshops and Tibetan monasteries for ritual use and display.

How were traditional Sino-Tibetan bronzes constructed?

These figures were cast using the lost-wax method, after which fire-gilding (amalgamation of gold and mercury) was applied to the surface. Details such as faces, hair, and crowns were frequently finished with cold pigments, including lapis lazuli powder and cinnabar.

How can you identify an authentic Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze sculpture?

Authentic period bronzes display wear to the gilded layer around high-contact areas, core remnants inside hollow castings, and double-lotus bases that are often sealed with an engraved copper consecrated plate at the bottom.

How do interior designers style Buddhist bronze figures in modern interiors?

A bronze figure functions well as a focal statement on a console table, within a curated bookshelf alcove, or mounted on a minimal pedestal to contrast against contemporary backdrops.

What is the correct way to clean and preserve a gilt bronze figure?

Dust the item gently using a dry, soft-bristled brush, avoiding water, chemical solvents, or abrasive polishes that could strip the delicate mercury gilding or historical cold pigments.

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Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

Name: Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232854
Price: 2000 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Ritas Bazaar

Description

An unusually substantial and richly finished Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze sculptural group depicting Jambhala, the Buddhist deity associated with prosperity, abundance and the removal of material and spiritual obstacles.

The deity is seated in a commanding pose upon a Buddhist lion. His attributes identify him most plausibly as Yellow Jambhala. In his right hand he holds a bijapuraka, or citron-like fruit, an emblem of fertility and abundance. His left hand supports a long-tailed mongoose, which in Himalayan Buddhist iconography disgorges precious jewels and symbolises inexhaustible wealth and the conquest of greed. A carefully modelled accumulation of jewels appears beneath the deity.

The lion represents courage, sovereign authority and the protective power of Buddhist teaching. It is particularly notable for its vigorous modelling, expressive head, individually articulated paws, carefully worked mane and curling tail. Its deliberately applied red polychromy, combined with blue accents and painted details on the deity, gives the composition a considerably richer and more animated appearance than more routinely finished gilt-bronze examples.

The quality of workmanship is evident throughout. The hands, feet, facial features, jewellery, garments and individual strands of hair have been carefully defined. Casting is supplemented by extensive hand chasing, engraving, gilding and painted finishing. The crown and jewellery incorporate pink-red stone settings, possibly coral.

Close inspection reveals a complex traditional construction. The sculpture was assembled from several individually cast and finished components joined by soldering. The visible working and assembly marks are characteristic of a handmade multi-part bronze rather than a simply cast decorative figure.

The underside is closed with a copper plate engraved with a double vajra, or visvavajra. This is a Buddhist ritual emblem associated with stability, indestructibility and the ordered universe; it is not a maker's mark.

Sino-Tibetan, probably first half of the 20th century. More precise dating would require specialist scientific examination of the metal, pigments and stone settings.

Height: 18.5 cm

Length: 16.5 cm

Width: 10.8 cm

Weight: 1,663 g

Condition: Good antique condition, with age-related wear to the gilding and painted decoration, minor surface marks, localised oxidation and visible traditional construction and solder joints.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Physical Dimensions

Height

18.5cm (7.28")

Width

16.5cm (6.50")

Depth

10.8cm (4.25")

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Gilt Bronze Jambhala Statue to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1232854

Dealers Internal Reference

B1858

Description

The deity is seated in a commanding pose upon a Buddhist lion. His attributes identify him most plausibly as Yellow Jambhala. In his right hand he holds a bijapuraka, or citron-like fruit, an emblem of fertility and abundance.

“

His left hand supports a long-tailed mongoose, which in Himalayan Buddhist iconography disgorges precious jewels and symbolises inexhaustible wealth and the conquest of greed.

Ritas Bazaar

A carefully modelled accumulation of jewels appears beneath the deity.

fig 1. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 1. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

The lion represents courage, sovereign authority and the protective power of Buddhist teaching. It is particularly notable for its vigorous modelling, expressive head, individually articulated paws, carefully worked mane and curling tail. Its deliberately applied red polychromy, combined with blue accents and painted details on the deity, gives the composition a considerably richer and more animated appearance than more routinely finished gilt-bronze examples.

fig 2. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 2. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

The quality of workmanship is evident throughout. The hands, feet, facial features, jewellery, garments and individual strands of hair have been carefully defined. Casting is supplemented by extensive hand chasing, engraving, gilding and painted finishing. The crown and jewellery incorporate pink-red stone settings, possibly coral.

fig 3. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 3. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

Close inspection reveals a complex traditional construction. The sculpture was assembled from several individually cast and finished components joined by soldering. The visible working and assembly marks are characteristic of a handmade multi-part bronze rather than a simply cast decorative figure.

fig 4. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 4. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

The underside is closed with a copper plate engraved with a double vajra, or visvavajra. This is a Buddhist ritual emblem associated with stability, indestructibility and the ordered universe; it is not a maker's mark.

fig 5. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 5. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

Sino-Tibetan, probably first half of the 20th century. More precise dating would require specialist scientific examination of the metal, pigments and stone settings.

Height: 18.5 cm

Length: 16.5 cm

Width: 10.8 cm

fig 6. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 6. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

Weight: 1,663 g

Condition: Good antique condition, with age-related wear to the gilding and painted decoration, minor surface marks, localised oxidation and visible traditional construction and solder joints.

fig 7. A gilt bronze figure of the deity Jambhala crowned and adorned with jewellery, seated upon a snow lion atop an oval lotus pedestal base with red and blue painted accents. — fig 7. Early 20th Century Sino-tibetan Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on a Lion

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.