India - Jain Yellow bronze, a copper alloy probably rich in zinc. Portable Jain altar in copper alloy representing a Tīrthaṅkara – Western India - 17.5 cm






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Portable Jain altar in a yellow brass alloy representing a Tīrthaṅkara from western India, dating circa 1825–1875, seated in meditation on an architecturally carved throne with dhyāna mudrā and a śrīvatsa on the chest, with patina and signs of devotional use, height 17.5 cm, width 11.2 cm, depth 5.3 cm, acquired in 2025 from Belgium from a private collection, authenticity Original/officiel.
Description from the seller
Portable Jain altar in copper alloy, Western India, circa 1825–1875.
Fine devotional altar depicting a Tīrthaṅkara seated in meditation, hands in dhyāna mudrā and bearing the śrīvatsa on the chest. The deity is seated on an architected throne supported by two lions and surrounded by secondary figures, beneath a richly decorated openwork arch. In the upper part, notably an elephant belonging to the celestial register of the decoration remains; its symmetrical counterpart today appears as a lacuna.
The reverse features an important inscription engraved in Nāgarī script / Devanāgarī type, spread over several registers. This inscription remains only partially legible and is therefore not used as a dating element. The individual identification of the Tīrthaṅkara cannot be established with certainty either, as the distinctive lāñchhana is not sufficiently legible.
The piece is made of yellow copper alloy, probably brass, using a traditional casting technique, with openwork and refinishing touches. It presents an old patina, traces of devotional use, natural wear of the reliefs, as well as some gaps and alterations in the most exposed parts, visible in the photographs.
Provenance: former R. M. collection (1933–2023), Belgium. According to the provenance letter kept with the work, the piece is said to have been acquired by the collector between 1979 and 2009, mainly from art dealers in Belgium and the Netherlands, then transferred to Olivier Maréchal / Mimosa SA between 2010 and 2020.
video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ylejkgg4835i4lgdplzso/AMgS_WDWJcecDRVfvRK2Ctk?rlkey=dyukf0z0007s33umqutc1slxg&dl=0
Seller's Story
Portable Jain altar in copper alloy, Western India, circa 1825–1875.
Fine devotional altar depicting a Tīrthaṅkara seated in meditation, hands in dhyāna mudrā and bearing the śrīvatsa on the chest. The deity is seated on an architected throne supported by two lions and surrounded by secondary figures, beneath a richly decorated openwork arch. In the upper part, notably an elephant belonging to the celestial register of the decoration remains; its symmetrical counterpart today appears as a lacuna.
The reverse features an important inscription engraved in Nāgarī script / Devanāgarī type, spread over several registers. This inscription remains only partially legible and is therefore not used as a dating element. The individual identification of the Tīrthaṅkara cannot be established with certainty either, as the distinctive lāñchhana is not sufficiently legible.
The piece is made of yellow copper alloy, probably brass, using a traditional casting technique, with openwork and refinishing touches. It presents an old patina, traces of devotional use, natural wear of the reliefs, as well as some gaps and alterations in the most exposed parts, visible in the photographs.
Provenance: former R. M. collection (1933–2023), Belgium. According to the provenance letter kept with the work, the piece is said to have been acquired by the collector between 1979 and 2009, mainly from art dealers in Belgium and the Netherlands, then transferred to Olivier Maréchal / Mimosa SA between 2010 and 2020.
video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ylejkgg4835i4lgdplzso/AMgS_WDWJcecDRVfvRK2Ctk?rlkey=dyukf0z0007s33umqutc1slxg&dl=0
Seller's Story
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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.
