Large Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni (Tibet–Ladakh, 17th–18th Century)
A large Himalayan bronze Buddha from the Tibet–Ladakh region, 17th–18th century, originally fire-gilded and traditionally cast. The sculpture shows confirmed internal ageing, natural oxidation and genuine traces of gold. A substantial and authentic temple image.
Valuation Report
Large fire-gilded bronze Buddha Shakyamuni, traditionally cast and fully gilded with mercury-amalgam 24 kt gold. Verified with interior analysis confirming original gilding layers and old Himalayan construction.
Material and technique: fire-gilded bronze; segmented lost-wax casting; original interior oxidation with green-gold mineralisation and crystalline salt deposits; no modern fillers or coatings. Exterior with surviving gold layers and natural patina.
Dimensions: height approx. 70 cm; width approx. 55 cm; weight significant (large hollow-cast ritual type).
Period and region: Himalayan region (Nepal–Ladakh–Tibet sphere), circa 17th–18th century.
Condition: original gilding with natural age wear; deep interior oxidation consistent with centuries of aging; stable surface; no evidence of re-gilding, machine polishing or modern restoration.
Examination: analysed with museum-grade methods including UV, polarized light, high-magnification microscopy and full internal cavity inspection following the 1stbuddha TAX4 matrix (material, construction, interior aging, patina, UV/micro evidence, style, dating and comparison).
1stbuddha tax valuation: €65 000.
Large Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni (Tibet–Ladakh, 17th–18th Century)
Description
This large fire-gilded bronze Buddha originates from the Himalayan Tibet–Ladakh tradition and dates to the 17th–18th century. The figure is cast using traditional lost-wax methods, with a hollow interior that preserves complex natural ageing: layered oxidation, mineral deposits, and heat-staining associated with early mercury gilding. These internal characteristics confirm pre-industrial production.
The exterior retains areas of original fire-gilding, especially in protected zones, while the worn high points show natural centuries-old patina. Under UV light and microscopic inspection, the surface reveals authentic ageing patterns consistent with Himalayan temple bronzes of this period.
The Buddha is depicted in bhumisparsha mudra, seated on a broad lotus throne typical for Ladakh and Western Tibet. The proportions, robe style and material composition align with documented Himalayan workshop traditions rather than modern Indian brass copies.
Overall, this piece represents a genuine, large-scale Himalayan temple sculpture with confirmed original gilding, historic construction and a strong classical presence.
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Large Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni (Tibet–Ladakh, 17th–18th Century)
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