Country Group:

Item id: 9377

11thCentury (Possibly Earlier) West Tibetan Bronze Bodhisattva with Silver Inlays. This remarkable West Tibetan bronze bodhisattva stands apart for its distinctly Western aesthetic influences, far more pronounced than in most Himalayan Buddhist sculpture. Its proportions, facial modeling, and casting style echo an artistic lineage that stretches back through post-Gandharan traditions to Greco-Roman forms—an exceptionally rare continuity to witness in a piece of this age.



Everything about the sculpture—the alloy, casting method, finishing techniques, and anatomical treatment—differs strikingly from the other Himalayan bronzes in my collection. The figure was solid-cast, and the now-missing lower arms and hands were originally created separately and attached after casting. This was the only viable method for producing long, slender limbs in a solid bronze sculpture a thousand years ago. As such, the arms did not “break off”; they detached naturally over centuries, without compromising the beauty or integrity of the figure.



The silver inlays in the eyes and urna add a quiet radiance, catching light with subtle charisma. Whether original or added later remains uncertain, though they harmonize beautifully with the overall composition. I encourage prospective buyers to spend time studying the photographs closely—this is a piece that rewards careful examination. The starting bid has been reduced to nearly half of the original offering, creating an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly uncommon and historically significant Himalayan bronze.