India - Jain Yellow bronze

Portable Jain bronze altar from western India, c. 1825–1875. Beautiful Jain votive altar in a copper alloy, probably bronze, depicting a Tirthankara seated in meditation, hands in dhyānamudrā, at the center of an architecturally rich, richly pierced composition. The principal figure bears on the chest the śrīvatsa, a characteristic symbol of Jain iconography, and is surrounded by several secondary figures, Jinas and attendants, arranged under an arch decorated with small elephants and symbolic elements. The reverse presents an important dedicatory inscription in Nāgarī / Devanāgarī script, integrated into the design of the casting. A partial reading allows identification, with good confidence, of formulas relating to the creation and consecration of the image, as well as a reference to the Tapa Gaccha, one of the main Jain monastic orders. Proper names and any possible date inscribed, however, cannot be read with sufficient certainty and are therefore not proposed. The piece shows a very interesting old patina, complex and naturally differentiated, blending brown-black, dark green, and lighter green tones. The green corrosion products are hard and adherent and appear notably in the hollows and irregularities of the casting. Old pinpricks and small irregularities are also visible in the secondary areas, bearing witness to the object's material history. Dating: around 1825–1875, based on stylistic, technical and material examination. The inscription is not used alone as a dating criterion. Provenance: former private collection of R. M., Belgium. Acquired by the collector between 1979 and 2009, mainly from art dealers in Belgium and the Netherlands. Provenance letter available. Dimensions: Height: 19.8 cm Width: 11 cm Depth: 7.3 cm Weight: 1,048 g Good overall condition given its age, with surface wear, casting irregularities, minor deformations and traces of old corrosion consistent with the age and use of the piece. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8p5y1cwtgrjyzn716goor/ANSQtChhRDvfcaJDFmOLuuI?rlkey=mmdateuw58ubltzlo7mo0up4i&dl=0

Estimation:€800

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