An important rectangular covered censer resting on four feet, painted on copper in famille rose enamels on a blue ground, decorated in an archaistic style with taotie masks and lotus flowers, framed by ruyi motifs and key-fret borders. The openwork cover is topped with a gilt-bronze seated Buddhist lion, its left front paw resting on a ball. On the underside, a four-character Qianlong mark inscribed within a square. China Qianlong period (1736-1795) (Some old restorations). H: 58 cm - L: 33 cm - D: 23 cm.

Covered censer
enamel on copper, gilt bronze
Qianlong period (1736-1795)
China

#antique #chinese #censer #enamel #copper #giltbronze #taotiemasks #lotusflowers #ruyi #keyfretborders #buddhistlion #qianlong #china #chineseenamel #enamelcenser #qianlongcenser #china #chineseantiques

This 13th century central Tibetan diminutive figure of an enlightened teacher and possibly a lama has been cast in bronze and gilded. The figure wears an unusual headdress that frames the head but which leaves the hair visible at the back. He wears the robes of a monk with the right shoulder bare, a thick fold across the chest, and a heavy, wide sleeve over the left arm. (height: 8.4cm, width: 6.8cm, depth: 3.7cm, weight: 213g) The figure has a wide face, almost pursed lips and elongated ears. The top of the head has either a Buddha-like cranial protuberance or the finial of the headdress. The teacher sits cross legged with the left hand open and resting on the lap at an angle, and the right hand in the 'earth-touching' gesture. This gesture mirrors the Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment at Bodhgaya. When other historical figures are accorded this gesture it suggests that the person most probably has become a buddha or an enlightened on in his life.

Buddha figure
gilt bronze
13th century CE
Tibet

#buddha #buddhist #buddhism #tibet #giltbronze #statue #sculpture #handmade #13thcentury #tibetanbuddhism #tibetanbronze #enlightened #boddhisattva

Vajrapani is a powerful bodhisattva in Buddhism, often depicted as a wrathful protector deity, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. He embodies the Buddha's power and is associated with the vajra, a thunderbolt-like symbol of indestructible wisdom and the force to overcome obstacles. Vajrapani's name translates to "vajra in hand" or "vajra holder," signifying his role as a protector wielding the vajra. The vajra represents clarity of thought, enlightenment, and the ability to cut through delusion. Vajrapani is often depicted in a wrathful form, with a fierce expression, flames, and a powerful physique. However, early Indian depictions show him in a more peaceful form, reflecting his role as a protector. He is a guardian of the Buddha and a protector of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). He is also seen as a powerful force against negativity and obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

Vajrapani
gilt bronze with polychrome
Tibet
17th century

#vajrapani #tibet #17thcentury #tibetanbuddhism #figure #sculpture #giltbronze #polychrome
#vajra #clarity #cutthrudelusion #protector #buddha #buddhism #dharma #buddhistteachings

Circa 1905 Large Tiffany Studios “Venetian” Gilt Bronze Picture Frame

hakervintage.etsy.com/listing/1881...

#tiffanystudiosnewyork #tiffanystudios #early1900s #edwardian #artnouveau #artsandcrafts #venetian #giltbronze #bronze #pictureframe #photoframe