Gilt Bronze and Gilded Metal Ganesha Murti in the Indo-Tibetan Style
Decorative Object / Religious Iconography · Unknown South Asian workshop (likely Nepalese or North Indian style). Not a recognized Western silver brand; produced by local artisans specializing in lost-wax casting.
Pattern: Traditional Hindu/Buddhist deities; customized casting with partial cold-gold/yellow paint applications.
Type
Decorative Object / Religious Iconography
Maker
Unknown South Asian workshop (likely Nepalese or North Indian style). Not a recognized Western silver brand; produced by local artisans specializing in lost-wax casting.
Material
Primarily Bronze or Brass (Copper alloy). The yellow surface appears to be a combination of parcel-gilding (gold leaf/wash) and yellow ritual paint/pigment. It lacks traditional silver hallmarks and possesses a metallic color profile inconsistent with silver or silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). Estimated weight: 800–1,200 grams based on the density of cast bronze alloys of this size.
Description
An ornate metal representation of the deity Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The figure is seated in a lalitasana pose, featuring four arms and a composite nimbus. The face is highlighted with a distinctive yellow paint commonly used in Himalayan religious art to simulate pure gold, contrasted against the darker patinated bronze of the body.
Key Features
Gilded facial features, multi-tiered crown, serpent sash, and the inclusion of Ganesha's 'vahana' (the mouse) at the base.
Material & Composition
Primarily Bronze or Brass (Copper alloy). The yellow surface appears to be a combination of parcel-gilding (gold leaf/wash) and yellow ritual paint/pigment. It lacks traditional silver hallmarks and possesses a metallic color profile inconsistent with silver or silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Lost-wax cast with hand-chasing. Features cold-gold painting on the face and torso, a raised nimbus (halo), multi-armed iconography (Lord Ganesha), and set within a throne-like surround with traditional scrollwork.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Religious bronzes of this type rarely carry hallmarks; they may occasionally feature a Tibetan character or a lotus seal on the base plate, but usually lacks purity stamps found on flatware.
Construction Details
Lost-wax casting (cire perdue). The figure, base, and nimbus may be cast as separate components and later joined or bolted. Surface details are finished with hand-chiseling and polishing.
Functional Features
Sacred icon (Murti) for worship or altar placement. Features a flat base for stability and a detailed crown (mukuta) indicative of royalty/divinity.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as a handheld implement. The figure rests on a cast integral pedestal.
Craftsmanship Details
Average to high-quality workshop casting. The chasing of the fingers and crown shows good attention to detail, though the back of the piece appears unpolished, a standard trait for icons meant to face forward on an altar.
Authentication Indicators
The item is identified as a copper-alloy bronze, not silver. The green/brown undertones and brassy highlights where the gold has worn away are definitive indicators of a base metal composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
South Asia, specifically Nepal (Patan area) or Northern India. These regions have centuries-old traditions of smelting and casting sacred metal figures.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th to early 21st century). While the design is based on ancient Pala or Newar styles, the surface pigmentation and casting quality indicate contemporary production for the devotional or tourist markets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980–present. The vibrancy of the yellow face pigment and the specific wear patterns suggest a piece that is high-quality but not of antique age.
Cultural Significance
Ganesha is one of the most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. This specific style reflects the syncretism between Hindu and Buddhist artistic traditions found in the Kathmandu Valley.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall. Notable dust buildup and light oxidation in recessed areas. The yellow pigment shows some abrasion on the trunk and forehead. No visible structural cracks.
Value Estimate
$75.00 – $250.00 USD. Value is based on artistic merit and decorative appeal rather than precious metal weight, as it contains negligible, if any, silver content.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid traditional silver polish as it will strip the yellow pigment and gilding. Clean only with a soft, dry brush or a slightly damp micro-fiber cloth. Avoid moisture to prevent bronze disease (pitting/green corrosion).
Similar Pieces
Patan bronze Ganeshas (more intricate casting); Indian brass Ganesha idols (usually lack the cold-gold facial application); Tibetan 'Ganesh' figures (often more stylized).
Interesting Facts
In Newar (Nepalese) tradition, the faces of deities are often painted with 'cold gold'—a paste of ground gold and pigment—which allows the figure to be 'quickened' for ritual use without the heat of fire-gilding.