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Hi everyone. I'm hoping someone out there knows more about Tibetan bronzes than I do. I found this the other day. It's definitely a bronze, but that's about all I know about it. As I stated in the description it stands 8" in height. I'm hoping someone can tell me approximately how old is it? What is the name of the character? What is the name of the mark on the base? Is there any significance to the objects the character is holding? What are the objects called? Basically, anything you might know about this piece will be greatly appreciated...thanks

If I am not mistaken this should be the depiction of the crowned Buddha Amitabha in prince's jewelry, sitting in Padmasana on a lotus base, the hands holding Vajra and ghanta (thunderbolt and bell). Below an explaination from encyclopaedia brittanica:

"In ritual use the vajra is frequently employed in conjunction with the bell (Sanskrit ghaṇṭā; Tibetan dril bu), the various gestures (mudrās), when correctly executed, having considerable metaphysical power. The vajra (symbolizing the male principle, fitness of action) is held in the right hand and the bell (symbolizing the female principle, intelligence) in the left hand, the interaction of the two ultimately leading to enlightenment. In art the vajra is an attribute of many divinities, such as the celestial Buddha Akṣobhya and his manifestation as a bodhisattva (“Buddha-to-be”), Vajrapāṇi (In Whose Hand Is the Vajra). The viśva-vajra is a double vajra in the shape of a cross with four equal arms."

I'd suggest a dating in the mid to late 20th century, but I am not an expert in Tibetan Bronzes

Regards

Madria

I know I'm a little late to respond but here's my input. This particular hand mudra is usually seen in Vajrasattva statues, the buddha of purification. It is probably a newer bronze, after 1950s, and is common to most Tibetan Schools of buddhism. The base mark is the 4 pointed vajra and is a symbol of grounding and balance. traditionally the statue is stuffed with relics, intentions and or mantras and the double vajra grounds it to the earth. Although traditional, this symbol is used on most modern Nepalese statues and imports

hi, thank you for the information. you're right, it is a little late, but still appreciated. i will pass this on to the person i gave this to.

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