{"product_id":"first-half-20th-century-nepalese-bronze-teaching-buddha-vitarka-17-5cm","title":"First-Half 20th-Century Nepalese Bronze Teaching Buddha in Vitarka Mudra – 17.5 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eDating from the first half of the 20th century, this finely cast Nepalese bronze depicts the Buddha in his role as teacher. Seated in meditation upon a stylised lotus pedestal, the Buddha raises his right hand in \u003cstrong\u003eVitarka Mudra\u003c\/strong\u003e, the gesture associated with teaching, intellectual discussion and the transmission of Buddhist wisdom. His left hand rests open in the lap in \u003cstrong\u003eDhyana Mudra\u003c\/strong\u003e, expressing meditation and inner balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture is particularly distinguished by its richly worked monastic robe. Flowing folds and incised vegetal ornament continue around the shoulders and across the back, giving the figure visual interest from every angle. The composed face, elongated earlobes, urna, tightly arranged hair curls and prominent ushnisha follow established Himalayan Buddhist iconography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Buddha is supported by an oval lotus base with a continuous band of broad petals. Together with the compact proportions and substantial weight, this gives the sculpture a balanced and grounded presence despite its relatively modest size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSurface and Casting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze displays a naturally varied brown patina. Raised areas—including the face, hands, robe and edges of the lotus petals—show lighter wear, while darker colour remains within the recessed decoration. This contrast makes the modelling and incised ornament especially legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe open underside reveals the irregular interior of the hollow casting, including surviving casting material and a rough, non-mechanically finished surface. These features are consistent with traditional lost-wax manufacture and form an important part of the object’s material history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eObject Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nepal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e First half of the 20th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate date:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1900–1950\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e H 17.5 × W 12 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast bronze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary mudra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitarka Mudra — teaching and discussion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary mudra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dhyana Mudra — meditation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood condition with natural surface wear, tonal variation, local oxidation and minor casting irregularities consistent with the object’s age and traditional manufacture. The underside remains open and preserves the rough casting interior. Please examine all photographs, which form an integral part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buddha-Statues.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63361614414154,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1073\/1693\/7034\/files\/old-bronze-buddha-vitarka-mudra-front.jpg?v=1787921175","url":"https:\/\/buddha-statues.com\/products\/first-half-20th-century-nepalese-bronze-teaching-buddha-vitarka-17-5cm","provider":"buddha-statues.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}