India - Jain Yellow bronze

Autel votif jaïn Pāñcatīrthika representing Chandraprabha, the eighth Tīrthaṅkara Western India, probably Gujarat or Rajasthan Second half of the 19th century, around 1850-1900 Important Jaïn votive altar in yellow copper alloy, probably yellow bronze, depicting Chandraprabha, the eighth Tīrthaṅkara of Jainism. The central figure is shown seated in meditation on a throne with lions, hands gathered in the lap. The crescent moon symbol placed at the center of the substructure constitutes the lāñchana, or distinctive emblem, traditionally associated with Chandraprabha. The main Tīrthaṅkara is surrounded by four secondary figures standing in kāyotsarga posture, allowing the composition to be linked to the so‑called Pāñcatīrthika type, gathering five Jina representations. The whole is integrated into a miniature sacred architecture featuring a dais, elephants, auxiliary figures, animal motifs and a heavily perforated substructure. The reverse is entirely covered by a long votive inscription hand-engraved in Nāgarī Jain script. It likely reproduces an ancient form and may include a date in the Vikrama Samvat era as well as a reference to the Tapa Gaccha. This inscription appears to reproduce or adapt a medieval model and should not be considered the material dating of the casting. The piece shows dense, robust artisanal casting, characteristic of late devotional productions in western India. The yellow metal appears naturally polished on the protruding parts, while a beautiful dark brown to black patina has remained in the recesses, the openings and the inscriptions. This contrast particularly highlights the central figure, the throne and the sanctuary architecture. Wear of the reliefs is compatible with long devotional use and repeated ritual handling. Some casting irregularities and ancient wear are visible, without compromising stability or the overall readability of the composition. No major accident or recent restoration has been observed. Provenance Former collection of Mr. R. Mertens, Belgium. The piece was already in his collection before 1991. Acquired directly from Mr. Mertens by Olivier Maréchal / Mimosa SA between 2010 and 2020.”}{}{}{}

Estimate:£593.05

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