Four-Faced Fourteen-Armed Brahma – Ancient Indonesian Bronze with Original Gilding

Description

This impressive Indonesian bronze sculpture represents Brahma with four faces and fourteen arms, seated on a broad lotus base. The figure is cast in thick, heavy bronze (12.6 kg) and displays the characteristic early Indonesian modelling: strong facial volumes, deeply worked jewellery, asymmetrical hand shaping, and organically formed attributes such as the bell, staff and ritual vase.

Microscopic examination has revealed clear remnants of original fire gilding inside protected recesses, particularly within the interior of the ritual bell and other deep cavities. These gold traces sit beneath layers of natural oxidation, providing strong evidence for historical surface gilding. The outer surface shows a stable, naturally developed green patina formed over many decades, without signs of modern coatings or artificial chemical ageing.

Under UV inspection, the sculpture presents a consistent mineral fluorescence profile, free from modern lacquer, resin or repaint. The interior cavities show rough, granular casting texture typical of traditional lost-wax bronze casting. No modern fillers, welding repairs or industrial patterns are present.

With its weight, construction, gilding remains and natural ageing characteristics, this piece stands firmly within the tradition of early Indonesian bronze ritual sculpture, likely originating from Java or Bali.