Himalayan culture – Western Himalayas a copper alloy of the bronze type. Crowned Bodhisattva, probably Vajrapāṇi – Western Himalaya - 17.9 cm
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€ 3
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,100
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 | €2 |
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Rare 19th‑century bronze Bodhisattva figure from the Western Himalayas, titled Bodhisattva couronné, probably Vajrapāṇi, seated in lalitāsana with crown and jewelry, measuring 17.9 × 12.5 × 4.4 cm and weighing about 937 g, authenticated as original, acquired in 2025 from Belgium from a private collection (R. M.).
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Description from the seller
Rare crowned bodhisattva figure, probably Vajrapāṇi, in bronze, from the western Himalayan region and rooted in an archaizing tradition of Kashmiri-inspired character. 19th century, probably circa 1850–1875.
The deity is depicted seated in lalitāsana, in a regal relaxed posture, before a substantial reticulated architectural back panel dominated by a broad lotus motif. The figure wears a crown, large earrings, necklaces and various body ornaments.
The right hand holds against the chest an attribute that can be identified with high probability as a vajra. The left hand, resting at hip level, also holds a small oval- or ring-shaped element whose precise identification remains uncertain. For this reason, the identification as Vajrapāṇi is proposed with caution, not presented as absolutely certain.
The sculpture shows an interesting dark-brown patina with golden nuances, with natural variations in coloration and wear on the salient parts, notably the face, torso, arms and legs. The reverse and interior preserve casting irregularities and a darker surface, consistent with traditional copper alloy fabrication.
Very good overall condition, with aging wear consistent with age, small casting irregularities, light chips and a discreet old intervention on the reverse.
Provenance: former Belgian private collection of R. M., assembled from 1979, the piece having been acquired between 1979 and 2009 from art dealers in Belgium or the Netherlands. Acquired in Belgium in 2025.
Dimensions: 17.9 × 12.5 × 4.4 cm
Weight: 937 g
A detailed study and certificate will accompany the work.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/l8ydsefdqbogy5vgh8ai7/ADAhd5Qif3FfY-PsMTYYNvM?rlkey=9fcd19ib03372ea4kjygsgega&dl=0
Seller's Story
MIMOSA SA — EXPERTISE, RESEARCH AND TRANSMISSION
For more than 26 years, I have been working as an art dealer specializing in ancient Asian arts. My work is not simply to offer objects: it is to observe them, to understand them, to study them and to document them before passing them to a new collector.
Each work presented by Mimosa SA undergoes thorough examination. Depending on its nature, this study may concern the iconography, the style, the proportions, the material, the execution techniques, surface traces, patina, the condition, restorations, provenance as well as relevant bibliographic, museum or archaeological comparisons. When justified, additional scientific analyses may also be undertaken.
Our approach rests on the experience of sight, gained from direct contact with the works for over two decades, but also on methodical and constantly renewed research. We always favor a cautious, coherent and argued attribution rather than a seductive but insufficiently substantiated assertion.
Transparency is at the heart of our approach. The wear, gaps, accidents, ancient restorations or more recent interventions are reported as precisely as possible. When an attribution carries uncertainty or remains a working hypothesis, it is clearly presented as such.
Present on Catawiki since 2016, we have chosen to maintain a regular selection of works there in order to meet international collectors who value authenticity, knowledge and quality of documentation.
Each acquisition is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued under our professional responsibility. For the most important works, this certificate takes the form of a genuine study dossier gathering the main technical, stylistic, iconographic, historical and bibliographic observations made during our research.
The same standard applies to shipping. Over the years, we have developed a packaging method adapted to old, fragile, heavy or complex-shaped objects. Each work is protected, immobilized and carefully packaged, according to its material and its particularities. The shipping costs correspond to the real needs for protection, handling, insurance and secure transport. Shipping is never regarded as a source of commercial profit.
Acquiring a work from Mimosa SA is to receive a selected, studied, described, documented and prepared object with the same care that we would wish for a work destined for our own collection.
Translated by Google TranslateRare crowned bodhisattva figure, probably Vajrapāṇi, in bronze, from the western Himalayan region and rooted in an archaizing tradition of Kashmiri-inspired character. 19th century, probably circa 1850–1875.
The deity is depicted seated in lalitāsana, in a regal relaxed posture, before a substantial reticulated architectural back panel dominated by a broad lotus motif. The figure wears a crown, large earrings, necklaces and various body ornaments.
The right hand holds against the chest an attribute that can be identified with high probability as a vajra. The left hand, resting at hip level, also holds a small oval- or ring-shaped element whose precise identification remains uncertain. For this reason, the identification as Vajrapāṇi is proposed with caution, not presented as absolutely certain.
The sculpture shows an interesting dark-brown patina with golden nuances, with natural variations in coloration and wear on the salient parts, notably the face, torso, arms and legs. The reverse and interior preserve casting irregularities and a darker surface, consistent with traditional copper alloy fabrication.
Very good overall condition, with aging wear consistent with age, small casting irregularities, light chips and a discreet old intervention on the reverse.
Provenance: former Belgian private collection of R. M., assembled from 1979, the piece having been acquired between 1979 and 2009 from art dealers in Belgium or the Netherlands. Acquired in Belgium in 2025.
Dimensions: 17.9 × 12.5 × 4.4 cm
Weight: 937 g
A detailed study and certificate will accompany the work.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/l8ydsefdqbogy5vgh8ai7/ADAhd5Qif3FfY-PsMTYYNvM?rlkey=9fcd19ib03372ea4kjygsgega&dl=0
Seller's Story
MIMOSA SA — EXPERTISE, RESEARCH AND TRANSMISSION
For more than 26 years, I have been working as an art dealer specializing in ancient Asian arts. My work is not simply to offer objects: it is to observe them, to understand them, to study them and to document them before passing them to a new collector.
Each work presented by Mimosa SA undergoes thorough examination. Depending on its nature, this study may concern the iconography, the style, the proportions, the material, the execution techniques, surface traces, patina, the condition, restorations, provenance as well as relevant bibliographic, museum or archaeological comparisons. When justified, additional scientific analyses may also be undertaken.
Our approach rests on the experience of sight, gained from direct contact with the works for over two decades, but also on methodical and constantly renewed research. We always favor a cautious, coherent and argued attribution rather than a seductive but insufficiently substantiated assertion.
Transparency is at the heart of our approach. The wear, gaps, accidents, ancient restorations or more recent interventions are reported as precisely as possible. When an attribution carries uncertainty or remains a working hypothesis, it is clearly presented as such.
Present on Catawiki since 2016, we have chosen to maintain a regular selection of works there in order to meet international collectors who value authenticity, knowledge and quality of documentation.
Each acquisition is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued under our professional responsibility. For the most important works, this certificate takes the form of a genuine study dossier gathering the main technical, stylistic, iconographic, historical and bibliographic observations made during our research.
The same standard applies to shipping. Over the years, we have developed a packaging method adapted to old, fragile, heavy or complex-shaped objects. Each work is protected, immobilized and carefully packaged, according to its material and its particularities. The shipping costs correspond to the real needs for protection, handling, insurance and secure transport. Shipping is never regarded as a source of commercial profit.
Acquiring a work from Mimosa SA is to receive a selected, studied, described, documented and prepared object with the same care that we would wish for a work destined for our own collection.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Himalayan culture – Western Himalayas
Century/timeframe
Siècle : XIXe siècle Période : vers 1850–1875 / troisième quart du XIXe siècle
Name of object
Crowned Bodhisattva, probably Vajrapāṇi – Western Himalaya
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
a copper alloy of the bronze type.
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
17.9 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
12.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
4.4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
