Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 3907

Sublime Mongolian Copper Repousse Bodhisattva. Circa 1850- The Gandan Monestary in Ulan Baatar, has rows of closely related examples of the same size and subject lining the walls. Remains of original gilding. Quite large at 14.5" tall, widest diameter is 9". Signs of 150 years of use include some dents and losses to the ribbons. He is joined at the waist, and 2 of the original rivets are replaced with tiny screws. Can only see this if you look closely. There was also probably something in the very tip of the top. Leans forward slightly- as most good-sized Buddhas it is designed to be placed in a high place and viewed from a lower vantage point. Base has been re-consecrated with a piece of wood. Very rare in this size. Actual figure itself, including all fingers, ears, etc. are original and intact, with no losses or repairs. I have seen 4 of this type in 20 years of collecting. This one came out of a Turkish collector who mostly collected Russian Silver. Almost certainly came to Turkey via Russia during the soviet occupation of Mongola.