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

Item id: 8095

Very distinctive antique Mongolian gilded Buddha/Amateyus- (Bodhisattva of long life) solid cast out of an alloy which almost seems like aluminum, although heavier. Mongolian Buddhas are often made of unusual alloys. My instincts tell me that in this particular case this piece may be made out of the remains of an early airplane crash. I've encountered 4 of this material over the past 20 years-all of slightly different aluminum alloys that were believed to be from material from an airplane crash. As with many Mongolian Buddhas, the casting is not refined, but the statue manages to convey a great deal of finesse, sophistication, and sensitivity. 6.25" tall, Base (old, originally made for a different early 20thC statue) adds another 2+ inches in height.