Nepalese Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue (17th–18th Century)
A small Nepalese bronze Buddha from the Kathmandu Valley, created in the late 17th to early 18th century. Cast in the traditional cire-perdue technique and originally fire-gilded, with soft modelling and a naturally aged patina. A complete votive altar figure with its lotus throne intact.
Validation Report
This Nepalese bronze Buddha was examined using museum-grade analytical methods, including UV-based surface review and microscopic analysis of oxidation layers, casting structures and fire-gilding residues. Natural cuprite, tenorite and mineral deposits are present in microvoids across the surface, indicating long-term ageing without modern intervention. Matte gold particles preserved inside the casting core confirm original fire gilding. The robe modelling, lotus base proportions and unaltered casting seam correspond to Kathmandu Valley traditions of the late 17th to early 18th century.
Material: bronze alloy with original fire-gilding traces
Technique: cire-perdue casting, hand-finished
Height: 10.5 cm
Width: 7.1 cm
Weight: 460 g
Period: late 17th to early 18th century
Region: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Condition: naturally aged surface, intact casting seam, no modern restoration
1stbuddha retail valuation: €650 – €950
Nepalese Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue (17th–18th Century)
Description
his Nepalese bronze Buddha originates from the Kathmandu Valley and dates to the late 17th to early 18th century. The figure is cast in the traditional lost-wax method and retains traces of its original fire gilding, visible as matte golden residues inside the casting core and in protected outer zones. The modelling is characteristic of early Nepalese votive sculpture, with soft robe lines, rounded volumes and a subtle lotus base with a compact profile.
The surface shows natural, multilayered oxidation with cuprite, tenorite and mineral deposits, confirming prolonged age without modern restoration. The casting seam along the back is intact, as found on authentic Nepalese productions of this period. The lotus throne, garland band and hair structure follow traditional Valley proportions and indicate a workshop producing small altar figures for domestic and monastic use.
This example is complete, structurally sound and retains its original form and character. Small altar bronzes of this age survive in limited numbers and are collected for their historical and devotional significance.
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Nepalese Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue (17th–18th Century)
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