Padmapani Avalokiteśvara – Fire-Gilded Bronze – Tibet/Nepal, 17th–18th Century
Seated fire-gilded bronze figure of Padmapani Avalokiteśvara, Tibet, ca. 1650–1750.
The goddess of compassion is depicted in meditation posture, with finely detailed ornaments and traces of red ritual pigment.
Original fire gilding and natural patina confirmed under UV and microscopic examination; the lotus stem originally held in the hand has been lost through age.
Authentic 17th–18th century Tibetan work with warm, deep gilding and traditional casting technique.
TAX2 – Summary of Findings
This sculpture was examined under UV-light, stereo microscope, and macro photography.
Under UV, the gilded areas show stable dark response confirming absence of modern lacquer, while faint orange fluorescence appears in several recesses — consistent with ancient resin or organic varnish residues used in ritual sealing.
Microscopic observation confirms granular sand-cast texture, oxidized gilding residues, and embedded red sindoor pigment typical of early Tibetan fire-gilded bronzes.
The object represents Padmapani Avalokiteśvara, Tibet, ca. 1650–1750, cast in a copper-alloy and originally holding a lotus stem now lost through age.
All evidence supports authentic 17th–18th-century manufacture with no modern intervention.
Retail valuation (1stbuddha guidance): €4,500 – €6,800.
Technical analysis, UV documentation and valuation conducted by 1stbuddha using laboratory-grade 365 nm and high-magnification microscopy.
Padmapani Avalokiteśvara – Fire-Gilded Bronze – Tibet/Nepal, 17th–18th Century
Description
Padmapani Avalokiteśvara – Fire-Gilded Bronze, Tibet (ca. 1650–1750)
This finely cast and fire-gilded bronze Padmapani Avalokiteśvara originates from Tibet and dates to approximately the late 17th or early 18th century. The goddess of compassion is shown seated in full meditation posture, wearing ornate jewellery and an elaborate crown. The right hand is held in varada mudrā (gesture of generosity), while the left originally supported a lotus stem, now lost through age. The elegant symmetry and restrained expression reflect classical Tibetan craftsmanship from this period.
Under UV examination the gilding appears completely stable and original, with no signs of modern coating or repainting. Microscopic analysis confirms natural oxidation, granular patina and traces of red sindoor pigment in the folds and joints — indicators of authentic ritual use over centuries. The interior shows the rough texture typical of sand-casting methods used in Tibetan monasteries of the 17th–18th century.
Despite the lost lotus stem, the sculpture retains full spiritual and aesthetic integrity. Such minor ritual losses are common in authentic Tibetan bronzes and often testify to their long ritual life rather than detract from their value. Comparable examples can be found in the Rubin Museum and in Bonhams’ 2022 sale of Himalayan bronzes.
Height: 20.7 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg
Material: Fire-gilded copper alloy
Origin: Tibet
Period: ca. 1650–1750
Provenance: Private collection, Europe
Analysis and valuation conducted by 1stbuddha using UV and high-magnification microscopy. The conclusions are based on structural, stylistic and material characteristics consistent with Tibetan bronze casting of the 17th–18th century.
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Padmapani Avalokiteśvara – Fire-Gilded Bronze – Tibet/Nepal, 17th–18th Century
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