Posted 9 years ago
RobsRustics
(1 item)
Alright, I've got this piece, and I don't have the first clue what I have. I bought it at auction (in a lot with other old Asian figures) and it was described as a Buddha statue, but it is clearly a woman. It measures about 7.25 inches tall and weighs in at 5 pounds 8.8 ounces. It appears to be solid bronze (the base is hollow, but the figure is solid). The eyes appear to have a mother of pearl inlay. It's got a good patina, and appears to be quite old. On the inside is written in black ink "about 18th century", and "1965 to USA". I'm not sure if I have a really old piece, or not. I can't find any hallmarks or other indicators of age or maker. Any insight would be much appreciated.
I am not sure if this is really a woman.
It is a fairly standard sort of representation of Gautama Buddha, who although a Nepalese male is often represented as an almost androgynous figure.
As you look at the buddha is there anything that really identifies this as female?
Welcome to CW, or as one of us says, the cyber asylum!
racer4four Thanks for the reply! It appears to be anatomically a woman, as there are obvious breasts (though it's hard to see in the photo), as well as the facial features. This piece came with four other Buddha style figures, painted wood (that appear to be very old), and two that are seem to be some type of cast clay with gold paint or gilding. The others are matched sets, and appear to be one male and one female, which is the other reason I though this piece to be female. This is my first dive into eastern artifacts, and I'm in over my head. The set also came with what appears to be an old silver repousse bowl set with six bowls (4 having fitting lids), and also an old opium scale concealed in a carved wooden duck, some sort of bell bracelets, and a chunk of sandstone carving.
It's all fascinating, and I've spend a few hours scouring google images trying to find similar items., and following the trails.
Thanks Rob - I'm still swimming frantically in the Asian collection as well! I'm sure that you have found in your net travels that there are a number of female Buddha entities....maybe these four figures represent a collection of a mix of Buddha icons.
I hope someone with more knowledge can help you!