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ID #SA1238381
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£9,500
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A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century
For sale by Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €11,115     $12,065
£9,500
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 Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

16th century
Description

A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger

​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​A masterfully cast, exceptionally dense Sino-Tibetan Buddhist ritual bronze depicting a wrathful protector deity, modeled with powerful musculature, uncompromised vigor, and intense spiritual dynamism.

​The Deity and Countenance: The fierce expression is masterfully rendered with bulging, wide-set eyes, a furrowed brow conveying profound concentration, flared nostrils, and open lips baring fangs, all framed by a tightly coiled coiffure and a high crown.

​Attributes: The deity's right hand is raised aloft, brandishing a ritual weapon, while the left hand is extended to hold a symbolic attribute associated with tantric subjugation.

​Mount: The figure is dynamically seated astride a powerful, recumbent tiger, modeled with alert ears, a muscular torso, and finely incised linear stripe details across its hide.

​Base & Interpretation: The entire composition rests upon a neatly proportioned lotus pedestal base, embodying the Vajrayana Buddhist iconography of wrathful deities trampling obstacles or fearsome mounts to subdue spiritual ignorance and protect the Dharma.

​Gilding and Condition: The heavy copper-alloy core—weighing a substantial 119 grams at just 8.2 cm tall—retains magnificent remnants of bright, rich mercury fire-gilding nestled deep within protected recesses. This brilliance contrasts dramatically with areas of warm coppery-brown wear on the high points, exposing the rich base metal through centuries of devotional handling and ritual use.

​Dimensions: Height: approx. 8.2 cm | Width: approx. 5 cm

​Weight: 119 grams

​Condition: Excellent antiquarian condition, retaining robust casting detail, stable heavy weight, and rich original fire-gilding contrasting with natural coppery-brown high-point wear.

​Period: 16th/17th Century

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Buddhist Figure to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1238381
Description
A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger

​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​A masterfully cast, exceptionally dense Sino-Tibetan Buddhist ritual bronze depicting a wrathful protector deity, modeled with powerful musculature, uncompromised vigor, and intense spiritual dynamism.

fig 1. A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
fig 1. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​The Deity and Countenance: The fierce expression is masterfully rendered with bulging, wide-set eyes, a furrowed brow conveying profound concentration, flared nostrils, and open lips baring fangs, all framed by a tightly coiled coiffure and a high crown.

“
​Attributes: The deity's right hand is raised aloft, brandishing a ritual weapon, while the left hand is extended to hold a symbolic attribute associated with tantric subjugation.
Sandbanks Antiques
fig 2. A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
fig 2. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​Mount: The figure is dynamically seated astride a powerful, recumbent tiger, modeled with alert ears, a muscular torso, and finely incised linear stripe details across its hide.

​Base & Interpretation: The entire composition rests upon a neatly proportioned lotus pedestal base, embodying the Vajrayana Buddhist iconography of wrathful deities trampling obstacles or fearsome mounts to subdue spiritual ignorance and protect the Dharma.

fig 3. A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
fig 3. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​Gilding and Condition: The heavy copper-alloy core—weighing a substantial 119 grams at just 8.2 cm tall—retains magnificent remnants of bright, rich mercury fire-gilding nestled deep within protected recesses. This brilliance contrasts dramatically with areas of warm coppery-brown wear on the high points, exposing the rich base metal through centuries of devotional handling and ritual use.

fig 4. A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
fig 4. A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

​Dimensions: Height: approx. 8.2 cm | Width: approx. 5 cm

​Weight: 119 grams

​Condition: Excellent antiquarian condition, retaining robust casting detail, stable heavy weight, and rich original fire-gilding contrasting with natural coppery-brown high-point wear.

​Period: 16th/17th Century

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

Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Buddhist Figure to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1238381
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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A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
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Film of A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century
Archive I A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.

A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century

Film
Archive II A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View II
Archive III A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View III
Archive IV A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View IV
Archive V A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View V
Archive VI A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View VI
Archive VII A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View VII
Archive VIII A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View VIII
Archive IX A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View IX
Archive X A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View X
Archive XI A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View XI
Archive XII A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. View XII
Archive XIII A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal. 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
A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
A Fine Sino-Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century
Ref: SA1238381
A sixteenth to seventeenth-century Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure depicting a wrathful deity seated on a tiger atop a lotus pedestal.
Film of A Fine Sino-tibetan Gilt-bronze Votive Figure of a Wrathful Buddhist Protector Deity Seated on a Tiger ​Sixteenth to Seventeenth Century
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectStatues & Sculptures
  • Period16th century
  • StyleSino-Tibetan
  • MaterialGilt Bronze, Bronze
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsWrathful facial features, Tiger mount, Lotus pedestal, Ritual attribute in hand
  • SizeH 8.5 cm (3 in) x W 5 cm (2 in)

This Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze votive figure from the sixteenth to seventeenth century depicts a wrathful Buddhist protector deity seated astride a recumbent tiger atop a tiered lotus pedestal base. The heavy bronze core retains bright, rich mercury fire-gilding in protected recesses alongside warm coppery-brown wear on high points that exposes the base metal from centuries of devotional handling. The fierce deity wears a tightly coiled coiffure and displays bulging eyes, a furrowed brow, flared nostrils, and bared fangs while brandishing a ritual weapon in the raised right hand and holding an attribute in the extended left hand. The tiger features alert ears, a muscular torso, and finely incised linear stripe details across its hide, while the lotus base displays molded petals with dark recesses. Standing 8.5 cm high and 5 cm wide, this compact sculpture makes a striking addition to a bookshelf or gentleman's library.

FAQs

A Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze figure is a sacred sculpture produced in the regions bridging China and Tibet, combining Tibetan Buddhist iconography with Chinese metalworking craftsmanship. These figures typically represent deities, buddhas, or historical teachers and were created for monastic or personal devotional use.

These figures were typically crafted using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue) in copper alloy or bronze. The exterior was subsequently gilded using mercury fire-gilding, where a gold-mercury amalgam was applied to the metal surface and heated, leaving a layer of gold.

Authenticity is assessed through the inspection of casting seams, hand-chased surface details, age-appropriate wear to the gilding, and the presence of natural oxidation or patina in recessed areas. Furthermore, the base plate, cold-gilding on the face, and traditional proportions offer vital clues.

In contemporary interiors, small bronze sculptures serve as focal points on sideboards, mantelpieces, or structured bookshelf displays. Their rich metallic tones and sculptural forms pair well with dark wood finishes, natural stone surfaces, and minimalist backgrounds.

Gilt-bronze sculptures should be dusted gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to avoid lifting delicate gilding. Chemical solvents, abrasive polishes, and water should be avoided, as they can strip historical patination and compromise fragile surface gilding.
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