India - Jain copper alloy

Important Jain votive statue in a yellow copper alloy, probably brass, depicting a Tirthankara seated in meditation, Western India, probably Rajasthan or Gujarat, late 19th – early 20th century, around 1880–1920. The central Jina is depicted seated in dhyānāsana, hands joined in dhyānamudrā. The torso distinctly bears the śrīvatsa, an auspicious sign characteristic of Jain iconography. No individual lanchhana sufficiently legible allows confidently identifying which of the twenty-four Tirthankaras is represented. The figure sits at the center of an exceptionally rich architectural composition. It is sheltered under a substantial ceremonial dais and surrounded by a highly developed parikara, including numerous secondary figures, assistants, stylized animals and decorative motifs. Two elephants occupy the upper portion, while the whole is crowned by a large openwork arch surmounted by a kalasha. The base, organized like a miniature multi-tiered architecture, presents many cutouts, figures and incised motifs. The piece stands out for its substantial size, its exceptional weight of 3.684 kg and the complexity of its casting. Despite numerous cutouts, the amount of metal remains considerable, giving the whole a particularly monumental presence. Examination of the reverse and bottom shows a largely perforated structure compatible with traditional lost-wax technique. The surfaces display a beautiful yellow-gold to warm brown tone, with darker areas and a few traces of verdigris preserved in the hollows. Very good overall condition, with wear, small casting irregularities and traces of age compatible with the age and manufacturing technique. Provenance: former Belgian private collection of R. M. (1933–2023), collector of Asian art. The piece is documented as having been acquired between 1979 and 2009, mainly from art dealers in Belgium and the Netherlands. Provenance letter signed by Marie-Anne Lefevre dated 20 April 2025. Dimensions: 29.5 × 19.5 × 11.2 cm Weight: 3.684 kg A large-format Jain piece, particularly decorative and substantial, accompanied by documented European provenance. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zusk5oqh1vh36m2ehaekg/AA2yeg5OR05ZJbN_OvSrEMo?rlkey=mdhf6j5ldzpcfzsibzpukofoi&dl=0

Estimate:$1,906.17

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