Tibet / Himalayan region | 19th century | Bronze | H 20 × W 15 cm | 1.2 kg
This compact Tibetan-Himalayan Buddha is an instructive example of how historic bronze can look deceptively clean after generations of handling and polishing. The exposed high points are relatively bright, while protected recesses preserve darker patina, oxidation and small remnants of an older gold-toned metallic finish.
The Buddha is seated on a double lotus base in bhumisparsha mudra. The right hand reaches toward the earth while the left rests in the lap, creating one of the most recognisable compositions in Buddhist sculpture.
Surface evidence under magnification
Microscopic examination shows a complex surface rather than a single modern coating: dark brown and black patina, reddish oxidation, exposed metal, old working marks and isolated gold-coloured residues occur side by side. The gilding remnants survive most clearly in protected areas and follow the irregularities of the metal beneath.
The observed structure is compatible with an old metallic gilding process and may be consistent with traditional fire gilding. Without material analysis confirming mercury, however, the sculpture is catalogued simply as retaining historic gilding.
Traditional casting
The open underside reveals a rough, irregular interior consistent with traditional hollow casting. Surface finishing and hand-tool marks on the exterior contrast with the unfinished interior, supporting a conventional lost-wax production process.
Key details
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Subject: Seated Buddha
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Region: Tibet / Himalayas
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Date: 19th century
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Material: Bronze
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Surface: Layered patina with remnants of historic gilding
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Mudra: Bhumisparsha
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Dimensions: H 20 × W 15 cm
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Weight: 1.2 kg
Condition
The sculpture has been cleaned or polished in the past, resulting in uneven survival of older surface layers. Scratches, oxidation, dark deposits, worn gilding and abrasion to raised areas remain visible. These features are retained as part of the object's material history.
