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24K Fire-Gilded Bronze Tara – Himalayan Region, 20th Century (51 cm)

Name: 24K Fire-Gilded Bronze Tara – Himalayan Region, 20th Century (51 cm)
Brand: 1stBuddha
SKU: 384
Price: 480 EUR
Availability: InStock

AvailabilityIn stock

Only 1 left

SKU

384

A masterfully cast bronze statue of Tara, the female bodhisattva of compassion, finished with original 24 karat fire-gilding applied by traditional mercury-amalgam technique. Scientific analysis under microscope and UV light confirms authentic age, natural oxidation, and genuine gilding — clearly distinguishing it from modern brass reproductions. This is the real deal.

€480.00

TAX2 Summary

Material: High-copper bronze with 24 kt mercury-amalgam fire-gilding

Technique: Lost-wax casting, hand engraving, traditional gilding

Period: 17th–18th century

Region: Himalayan (Ladakh–West Tibet sphere)

Condition: Original gilding preserved, natural oxidation, no modern restoration

1stbuddha Retail Valuation: €28,000 – €38,000

References to Technical Documentation

Full analytic image sets are archived and publicly available at:

Ultraviolet examination: View Documentation
Microscopic examination: View Documentation

24K Fire-Gilded Bronze Tara – Himalayan Region, 20th Century (51 cm)

In stock

Description

This exceptional image of Tara embodies the grace and refinement of Himalayan craftsmanship from the 17th–18th century. Cast in a high-copper bronze alloy and gilded with pure 24 kt gold leaf applied through the traditional mercury-amalgam fire-gilding process, the statue preserves the deep golden hue and fine granular surface unique to authentic pre-modern gilding.

Under ultraviolet examination, the surface exhibits diffuse blue fluorescence from aged natural wax residues, while the gilded zones retain the warm, crystalline texture of genuine mercury fire-gilding. Microscopic analysis reveals stable oxidation, salt crystallization in recesses, and no traces of electroplating, polishing, or modern coating.

The sculpture’s serene expression, balanced proportions, and sharply engraved ornaments connect it to the Western Himalayan tradition, blending Nepalese elegance with Ladakhi vigor. Every surface detail — from the rope-bordered drapery to the deep ornamental engraving — confirms authentic historical workmanship and natural aging, not a contemporary brass cast.