Lot 70

At one point this piece was coated in a yellow pigment and animal glue mix but this has now largely worn away. It is not unusual in the Buddhist world for religious objects and images of deities to be made of precious material and then to have them covered with gilding or some other colouring in lieu of gilding.
The use of precious material in the first instance is an act of merit. To then cover this material with gold leaf or a coloured pigment is a further act of merit.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice.
Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

Purchased from Michael Backman, Ltd, London.

The use of inlaid stones and the form of the metal work suggests that the Ganapati possibly was made by Newar craftsmen operating in Tibet, possibly in the Gyanste region.