A Fine and Exceptionally Beautiful Nepalese Fire-Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, with - Bronze, Gilt - Nepal - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
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A gilt-bronze figure of a seated Buddha, titled “A Fine and Exceptionally Beautiful Nepalese Fire-Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, with Blue-Painted Hair and Richly Engraved Robes”, from the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).
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Description from the seller
A Fine and Exceptionally Beautiful Nepalese Fire-Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, with Blue-Painted Hair and Richly Engraved Robes
Nepal, 18th Century
Height: 15 cm
Material: Fire-gilt copper alloy with polychrome decoration and a fitted copper baseplate engraved with a double vajra.
Provenance
Private Dutch collection, acquired in 2010 from a private collector in The Hague, the Netherlands, and retained in the same collection until the present.
An exceptionally attractive and finely executed 18th-century Nepalese fire-gilt bronze figure of a seated Buddha, distinguished by its beautifully preserved golden gilding, striking deep-blue painted hair, delicately decorated facial features, and richly engraved monastic robes.
The Buddha is depicted seated in vajrasana, with both legs crossed and the soles of the feet turned upwards, upon a finely cast double-lotus pedestal. His hands rest gently in his lap in dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation, symbolising spiritual concentration, profound tranquility, and enlightened wisdom.
The beautifully proportioned figure displays a serene and contemplative expression, with delicately arched eyebrows, elongated downcast eyes, a finely modelled nose, softly smiling lips, and elongated earlobes.
The harmonious proportions, refined facial modelling, and elegant posture reflect the artistic traditions of Nepalese Buddhist metalwork.
- Beautifully Preserved Facial Polychromy
One of the sculpture's most captivating characteristics is the surviving painted decoration of the face.
The golden complexion is enriched by delicate traces of red and dark pigments highlighting the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and lips, giving the Buddha an unusually expressive and lifelike appearance.
Particularly attractive is the contrast between the softly painted facial details and the luminous golden surface beneath.
The face retains a lacquered and painted finish applied over the gilded metal, a decorative treatment associated with Himalayan Buddhist sculpture.
The surviving decoration contributes significantly to the figure's beauty and devotional character.
- Remarkable Deep-Blue Painted Hair
The Buddha's hair is arranged in numerous carefully modelled curls, rising into a prominent conical ushnisha, surmounted by a small gilded finial.
The curls retain an exceptionally attractive deep-blue painted finish, creating a magnificent contrast with the richly gilded face and body.
The striking blue coloration is one of the most distinctive and visually appealing features of the sculpture.
Within Buddhist artistic tradition, blue-painted hair symbolises the enlightened nature of the Buddha and is a characteristic feature of many Himalayan Buddhist images.
The combination of vibrant blue hair, golden skin, and delicately painted facial details produces an exceptionally harmonious and decorative appearance.
- Rich Fire-Gilding and Exquisite Engraved Decoration
The figure is covered with an extensive and beautifully preserved golden finish, giving the sculpture a warm and luminous appearance.
Particularly remarkable is the elaborate engraved decoration adorning the monastic robe.
The Buddha wears a finely draped garment covering the left shoulder and arm while leaving the right shoulder exposed.
The borders of the robe are ornamented with delicately engraved scrolling floral patterns, while distinctive circular floral and wheel-like medallions decorate the shoulder, upper arm, torso, and crossed legs.
These beautifully executed designs are carefully distributed across the garment, creating an elegant rhythm of ornamental detail.
The decoration continues across the back of the figure, demonstrating the sculptor's attention to the entire composition rather than merely its frontal appearance.
The contrast between the smooth, brilliantly gilded surfaces of the body and the intricately engraved textile decoration gives the sculpture a particularly refined and luxurious character.
- The Finely Cast Double-Lotus Pedestal
The Buddha is seated upon a beautifully proportioned double-lotus pedestal, formed by two registers of deeply modelled lotus petals.
Each petal is carefully shaped, with pronounced raised centres and elegantly outlined borders.
The upper register supports the seated figure, while the lower row of lotus petals spreads outward above a finely decorated circular base rim.
The pedestal is extensively gilded, beautifully complementing the golden surface of the Buddha.
The lotus is one of the most important symbols in Buddhist art, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment.
- Copper Baseplate with Engraved Double Vajra
An especially attractive and important feature of the sculpture is the surviving fitted copper baseplate beneath the lotus pedestal.
The plate displays a beautifully executed engraved double vajra, or visvavajra, arranged around a central floral motif.
The double vajra represents spiritual stability, indestructibility, and the enduring power of enlightened wisdom.
The warm reddish-brown copper surface, with its attractive patination, contrasts beautifully with the rich gilding of the sculpture.
The baseplate retains features consistent with traditional Himalayan consecration practices, in which sacred objects, mantras, and other ritual materials were placed within Buddhist images before the base was sealed.
Its fitted construction and engraved sacred symbol contribute significantly to the sculpture's historical and devotional interest.
Nepalese Buddhist metalworkers have long been celebrated for their exceptional skill in casting, gilding, and decorating sacred images.
During the 18th century, Nepalese artistic traditions continued to exert considerable influence throughout the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet, where Newar craftsmen were highly regarded for their technical expertise and sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities.
The present Buddha displays several characteristics associated with these traditions, including its harmonious proportions, refined facial expression, richly decorated monastic garment, carefully articulated hands, and elaborately cast lotus pedestal.
The surviving combination of gilding, blue-painted hair, and delicate facial polychromy provides a particularly attractive impression of the sculpture's original decorative richness.
- Condition
The sculpture is in attractive condition, retaining extensive gilding, beautifully preserved blue coloration to the hair, traces of facial polychromy, and finely engraved decorative details.
Minor surface wear, scattered losses to the gilding and painted decoration, and natural variations in the surface are visible.
The fitted copper baseplate remains present, displaying its engraved double-vajra motif.
- Catalogue Note
A particularly beautiful and richly decorated example of 18th-century Nepalese Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture, distinguished by its elegant proportions, serene facial expression, exceptional contrast between the deep-blue painted hair and golden body, and finely engraved floral ornamentation.
The extensive gilding, surviving facial polychromy, beautifully modelled double-lotus pedestal, and copper baseplate engraved with a double vajra are especially desirable features.
Combined with its documented Dutch private-collection provenance since 2010, the sculpture represents a highly appealing example of Himalayan Buddhist devotional art, combining refined craftsmanship, spiritual significance, and outstanding decorative beauty.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
A Fine and Exceptionally Beautiful Nepalese Fire-Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, with Blue-Painted Hair and Richly Engraved Robes
Nepal, 18th Century
Height: 15 cm
Material: Fire-gilt copper alloy with polychrome decoration and a fitted copper baseplate engraved with a double vajra.
Provenance
Private Dutch collection, acquired in 2010 from a private collector in The Hague, the Netherlands, and retained in the same collection until the present.
An exceptionally attractive and finely executed 18th-century Nepalese fire-gilt bronze figure of a seated Buddha, distinguished by its beautifully preserved golden gilding, striking deep-blue painted hair, delicately decorated facial features, and richly engraved monastic robes.
The Buddha is depicted seated in vajrasana, with both legs crossed and the soles of the feet turned upwards, upon a finely cast double-lotus pedestal. His hands rest gently in his lap in dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation, symbolising spiritual concentration, profound tranquility, and enlightened wisdom.
The beautifully proportioned figure displays a serene and contemplative expression, with delicately arched eyebrows, elongated downcast eyes, a finely modelled nose, softly smiling lips, and elongated earlobes.
The harmonious proportions, refined facial modelling, and elegant posture reflect the artistic traditions of Nepalese Buddhist metalwork.
- Beautifully Preserved Facial Polychromy
One of the sculpture's most captivating characteristics is the surviving painted decoration of the face.
The golden complexion is enriched by delicate traces of red and dark pigments highlighting the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and lips, giving the Buddha an unusually expressive and lifelike appearance.
Particularly attractive is the contrast between the softly painted facial details and the luminous golden surface beneath.
The face retains a lacquered and painted finish applied over the gilded metal, a decorative treatment associated with Himalayan Buddhist sculpture.
The surviving decoration contributes significantly to the figure's beauty and devotional character.
- Remarkable Deep-Blue Painted Hair
The Buddha's hair is arranged in numerous carefully modelled curls, rising into a prominent conical ushnisha, surmounted by a small gilded finial.
The curls retain an exceptionally attractive deep-blue painted finish, creating a magnificent contrast with the richly gilded face and body.
The striking blue coloration is one of the most distinctive and visually appealing features of the sculpture.
Within Buddhist artistic tradition, blue-painted hair symbolises the enlightened nature of the Buddha and is a characteristic feature of many Himalayan Buddhist images.
The combination of vibrant blue hair, golden skin, and delicately painted facial details produces an exceptionally harmonious and decorative appearance.
- Rich Fire-Gilding and Exquisite Engraved Decoration
The figure is covered with an extensive and beautifully preserved golden finish, giving the sculpture a warm and luminous appearance.
Particularly remarkable is the elaborate engraved decoration adorning the monastic robe.
The Buddha wears a finely draped garment covering the left shoulder and arm while leaving the right shoulder exposed.
The borders of the robe are ornamented with delicately engraved scrolling floral patterns, while distinctive circular floral and wheel-like medallions decorate the shoulder, upper arm, torso, and crossed legs.
These beautifully executed designs are carefully distributed across the garment, creating an elegant rhythm of ornamental detail.
The decoration continues across the back of the figure, demonstrating the sculptor's attention to the entire composition rather than merely its frontal appearance.
The contrast between the smooth, brilliantly gilded surfaces of the body and the intricately engraved textile decoration gives the sculpture a particularly refined and luxurious character.
- The Finely Cast Double-Lotus Pedestal
The Buddha is seated upon a beautifully proportioned double-lotus pedestal, formed by two registers of deeply modelled lotus petals.
Each petal is carefully shaped, with pronounced raised centres and elegantly outlined borders.
The upper register supports the seated figure, while the lower row of lotus petals spreads outward above a finely decorated circular base rim.
The pedestal is extensively gilded, beautifully complementing the golden surface of the Buddha.
The lotus is one of the most important symbols in Buddhist art, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment.
- Copper Baseplate with Engraved Double Vajra
An especially attractive and important feature of the sculpture is the surviving fitted copper baseplate beneath the lotus pedestal.
The plate displays a beautifully executed engraved double vajra, or visvavajra, arranged around a central floral motif.
The double vajra represents spiritual stability, indestructibility, and the enduring power of enlightened wisdom.
The warm reddish-brown copper surface, with its attractive patination, contrasts beautifully with the rich gilding of the sculpture.
The baseplate retains features consistent with traditional Himalayan consecration practices, in which sacred objects, mantras, and other ritual materials were placed within Buddhist images before the base was sealed.
Its fitted construction and engraved sacred symbol contribute significantly to the sculpture's historical and devotional interest.
Nepalese Buddhist metalworkers have long been celebrated for their exceptional skill in casting, gilding, and decorating sacred images.
During the 18th century, Nepalese artistic traditions continued to exert considerable influence throughout the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet, where Newar craftsmen were highly regarded for their technical expertise and sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities.
The present Buddha displays several characteristics associated with these traditions, including its harmonious proportions, refined facial expression, richly decorated monastic garment, carefully articulated hands, and elaborately cast lotus pedestal.
The surviving combination of gilding, blue-painted hair, and delicate facial polychromy provides a particularly attractive impression of the sculpture's original decorative richness.
- Condition
The sculpture is in attractive condition, retaining extensive gilding, beautifully preserved blue coloration to the hair, traces of facial polychromy, and finely engraved decorative details.
Minor surface wear, scattered losses to the gilding and painted decoration, and natural variations in the surface are visible.
The fitted copper baseplate remains present, displaying its engraved double-vajra motif.
- Catalogue Note
A particularly beautiful and richly decorated example of 18th-century Nepalese Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture, distinguished by its elegant proportions, serene facial expression, exceptional contrast between the deep-blue painted hair and golden body, and finely engraved floral ornamentation.
The extensive gilding, surviving facial polychromy, beautifully modelled double-lotus pedestal, and copper baseplate engraved with a double vajra are especially desirable features.
Combined with its documented Dutch private-collection provenance since 2010, the sculpture represents a highly appealing example of Himalayan Buddhist devotional art, combining refined craftsmanship, spiritual significance, and outstanding decorative beauty.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Country of Origin
Nepal
Attribution
Original
Material
Bronze, Gilt
Height
15 cm
Title of artwork
A Fine and Exceptionally Beautiful Nepalese Fire-Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, with
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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