Finely Detailed Lost Wax Cast Brass Alloy Artifact...

Iconographic Representation of Shiva in Handcrafted Brass Alloy — This sculpture represents a piece made from brass alloy, finely worked using the lost-wax casting technique, an ancient process that enables the creation of meticulous details and smooth surfaces. Although not a natural mineral, its value lies in the metallurgical complexity and the craftsmanship employed. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, was chosen for its aesthetic properties and workability, giving the statue a gleaming golden patina and notable durability. The object depicts Shiva, one of the principal Hindu deities, seated in a meditative pose. The right hand is raised in the abhaya mudra (protection and absence of fear), while the left holds the trishula, Shiva’s trident symbolizing his power over the three gunas. Iconographic details include the Nāga serpent coiled around the neck, representing cosmic energy (kundalini), and the intricate Jata hair forming a crown, often associated with hermitage and ascetic discipline. The metal surface has been polished to highlight volumes and contours, emphasizing the accuracy of the engravings. The provenance from India indicates the origin of a rich heritage of foundry techniques and religious iconography. The lost-wax technique, or lost-wax casting, has been used for millennia in India to produce religious sculptures and art objects, testifying to an unbroken artisanal tradition that combines technical know-how with deep knowledge of sacred texts. This artifact fits within that cultural context, representing an example of contemporary production that builds on ancient methodologies. Aesthetically, the specimen stands out for the balance of the composition and the detailed rendering of the symbols. The integrated base features lotus or foliate decorations, recurring elements in Indian sacred art, which add stability and finishing touches to the whole. The harmonious proportions and the alloy’s polish confer the piece a notable visual presence, making it a focal point in any setting. The state of conservation is excellent, with the surface patina showing the typical brass luster maintained through craftsmanship. The absence of fractures or significant deformations testifies to the solidity of the casting and the care in post-production handling. Every symbolic element is sharply defined, indicating good quality of fusion and finishing. This piece is of interest to collectors of Oriental art and religious artifacts, as well as to those who appreciate traditional metallurgical craftsmanship. Although not a mineral in the geological sense, it represents an art object that embodies the intrinsic value of worked matter and the cultural significance of its representation, comparable in refinement to a fine carving on hard stone or a piece of glittica, but with the specificity of molten metal. Its decorative and symbolic nature increases its collectible appeal, placing it among valuable specimens for execution quality and deep cultural rooting.

Estimation:€450

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