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ID #SA1238374
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£5,500
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A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)
For sale by Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €6,435     $6,985
£5,500
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
Browse dealers 213 items
  • About Us
    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 and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

18th century
Description

A Fine and Rare Gilt-Bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang

Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

Executed in heavy, thick-walled lost-wax cast bronze with rich mercury fire-gilding, this exceptional miniature devotional figure depicts a prominent Tibetan master—traditionally identified as Lama Shang—seated in lotus posture upon an elaborately rendered double-lotus throne.

​The Figure: The master is modeled with distinct, individualized physiognomy, featuring a high, bald cranium, pronounced cheekbones, and an expressive, engaging countenance. He is attired in finely incised monastic robes embellished with intricate border patterns and heavy folds that cascade realistically over his crossed legs. His right hand rests upon his knee in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra), while his left hand rests gently in his lap.

​The Base & Consecration Seal: The sculpture sits atop an open-backed, asymmetrical double-row lotus pedestal featuring a sealed base plate coated in a vibrant crimson-red lacquer compound. The plate is deeply and sharply cold-chiseled with a central visvavajra enclosing a yin-yang motif. The heavy bronze body exhibits the organic irregularities, thick-walled construction, and natural casting characteristics typical of high-grade traditional atelier production.

​Scale & Dimensions: Tactile and substantial for its miniature format, measuring approximately 7 cm in height and 5.5 cm in width, with a satisfying weight of 157 grams.

​Condition Report

​Surface & Gilding: The rich, warm fire-gilding remains largely intact across the primary surfaces, catching the light beautifully. Natural, multi-generational handling wear is evident on the high points—notably across the top of the bald head, the prominent cheekbones, the right knee, and the front rim of the lotus base—revealing the warm, dark brownish-black patina of the underlying bronze alloy beneath.

​Base Integrity: The underside retains its original copper consecration plate, tightly fitted to the irregular base rim and secured with the original crimson-red sealing compound. Fine, natural green copper carbonate verdigris has formed organically along the inner edges and crevices of the base plate, testifying to its age and undisturbed history.

​Structural Integrity: Stable, solid, and structurally intact with no major repairs, splits, or structural replacements.

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
5.5cm (2.17")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Lama Figure to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1238374
Description
A Fine and Rare Gilt-Bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang

Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

Executed in heavy, thick-walled lost-wax cast bronze with rich mercury fire-gilding, this exceptional miniature devotional figure depicts a prominent Tibetan master—traditionally identified as Lama Shang—seated in lotus posture upon an elaborately rendered double-lotus throne.

“
​The Figure: The master is modeled with distinct, individualized physiognomy, featuring a high, bald cranium, pronounced cheekbones, and an expressive, engaging countenance.
Sandbanks Antiques

He is attired in finely incised monastic robes embellished with intricate border patterns and heavy folds that cascade realistically over his crossed legs. His right hand rests upon his knee in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra), while his left hand rests gently in his lap.

fig 1. An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
fig 1. A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

​The Base & Consecration Seal: The sculpture sits atop an open-backed, asymmetrical double-row lotus pedestal featuring a sealed base plate coated in a vibrant crimson-red lacquer compound. The plate is deeply and sharply cold-chiseled with a central visvavajra enclosing a yin-yang motif. The heavy bronze body exhibits the organic irregularities, thick-walled construction, and natural casting characteristics typical of high-grade traditional atelier production.

fig 2. An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
fig 2. A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

​Scale & Dimensions: Tactile and substantial for its miniature format, measuring approximately 7 cm in height and 5.5 cm in width, with a satisfying weight of 157 grams.

​Condition Report

​Surface & Gilding: The rich, warm fire-gilding remains largely intact across the primary surfaces, catching the light beautifully. Natural, multi-generational handling wear is evident on the high points—notably across the top of the bald head, the prominent cheekbones, the right knee, and the front rim of the lotus base—revealing the warm, dark brownish-black patina of the underlying bronze alloy beneath.

fig 3. An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
fig 3. A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

​Base Integrity: The underside retains its original copper consecration plate, tightly fitted to the irregular base rim and secured with the original crimson-red sealing compound. Fine, natural green copper carbonate verdigris has formed organically along the inner edges and crevices of the base plate, testifying to its age and undisturbed history.

​Structural Integrity: Stable, solid, and structurally intact with no major repairs, splits, or structural replacements.

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

Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
5.5cm (2.17")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Lama Figure to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1238374
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 gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
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Film
Film of A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)
Archive I An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.

A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)

Film
Archive II An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View II
Archive III An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes. View XIII
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 213
Items Sold 87
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
213
Sold
87
An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
A Fine and Rare Gilt-Bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)
Ref: SA1238374
An 18th-century gilt-bronze miniature figure of Lama Shang seated cross-legged on a double-lotus pedestal in patterned robes.
Film of A Fine and Rare Gilt-bronze Miniature Figure of Lama Shang Early 18th Century (Qing Dynasty / Kangxi to Yongzheng Period)
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period18th century
  • StyleSino-Tibetan
  • MaterialGilt Bronze
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsDouble-lotus base, Monastic robes, Bhumisparsha mudra, Incised textile pattern
  • SizeH 7 cm (3 in) x W 5.5 cm (2 in)

This Sino-Tibetan sculpture depicts the prominent Tibetan master Lama Shang seated cross-legged in the earth-touching gesture upon a double-lotus pedestal. Fashioned from thick-walled lost-wax cast bronze with a rich mercury fire-gilding finish, the figure wears intricately incised monastic robes with heavy folds and border patterns. The gold surface exhibits multi-generational handling wear across the top of the bald head, the prominent cheekbones, the right knee, and the front rim of the lotus base, revealing a warm, dark brownish-black patina on the underlying bronze alloy. Natural green copper carbonate verdigris has formed organically along the inner edges and crevices of the base plate, which is coated in a vibrant crimson-red lacquer compound. Measuring 7 cm in height and 5.5 cm in width, this tactile devotional object suits placement on a bookshelf within a gentleman's library. The figure sits atop an open-backed, asymmetrical double-row lotus throne featuring a sealed base plate cold-chiseled with a central visvavajra enclosing a yin-yang motif. The master possesses a high, bald cranium, pronounced cheekbones, and an engaging countenance, with his right hand resting upon his knee and his left hand resting in his lap. The heavy bronze body displays organic irregularities and natural casting characteristics, remaining stable, solid, and structurally intact with no major repairs, splits, or structural replacements.

FAQs

Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze sculptures from the Qing Dynasty typically portray Buddhist deities, teachers, and lamas with detailed drapery and iconographical attributes. They were produced using lost-wax casting techniques and finished with fire-gilding to create a durable, golden surface.

Figures were cast in copper alloy or bronze using the lost-wax process, which allowed for fine incised details on robes and pedestals. The metal surface was then finished using mercury gilding, where a gold-mercury amalgam was applied and heated to fuse the gold to the bronze base.

Authentic pieces usually exhibit natural rubbing and loss of gilding on high-relief areas due to historic handling and ritual worship. Additional indicators include hand-chased hair and textile patterns, hand-punched lotus base petals, and signs of aged core material inside the hollow casting.

A miniature gilt-bronze figure functions well as a focal accent within a curated display cabinet, on an executive desk, or placed amongst leather-bound volumes on a wooden bookshelf. Positioning the item near ambient lighting highlights the warm tones of the gilded finish and the depth of the casting.

Dust the figure gently using a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove accumulation without scratching the delicate gilding. Avoid liquid cleaners, chemical polishes, and abrasive cloths, as these will strip remaining gold layers and alter the underlying patination.
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