Object Details
Catalogue Note
Height: 20.7 cm | Weight: 1.8 kg | Material: gilt bronze / copper alloy | Period: attributed to ca. 1920
A heavy Himalayan image of Saraswati, known in Tibetan Buddhism as Yangchenma, a deity associated with learning, eloquence, music and the arts.
Attribution
The sculpture is attributed to the Himalayan region around the early 20th century. Its weight, patina and surface wear are documented physical characteristics but are not used on their own to establish date.
Condition
Gilt surface with darker worn areas and natural variation in the patina. Fine hand-finishing remains visible across the figure and lotus base.
Iconography and Context
The figure belongs to the wider visual culture of Asian Buddhist devotion, where posture, attributes and ornament communicate identity and ritual purpose. The complete photographic sequence helps these iconographic details remain readable from every side.
Condition and Display
Surviving gilding, darker recessed areas and wear on raised details create a layered surface. The 10 photographs document the remaining finish, patina, casting and base from multiple viewpoints.
