India - Jain Yellow bronze

Description Important votive Jain altar of the pañcātirthika type, executed in yellow copper alloy, probably brass, using the lost-wax casting technique. The composition centers on a Jina seated in meditation, bearing the śrīvatsa on the chest and accompanied by four secondary Jinas, deities, attendants and numerous figures arranged in a particularly rich openwork architecture. The ceremonial canopy, the elephants, the celestial figures and the animated base enhance the monumental character of this altar despite its portable size. The reverse is one of the most remarkable elements of the piece. It bears a long inscription incised in Devanagari characters corresponding to the Namokar or Navkar Mantra, the fundamental formula of Jainism. The text is organized around a Siddhachakra or Navapada, represented in the form of a eight-petaled lotus surrounding a center. The whole forms a particularly complete devotional program, combining sacred image, mantra and religious diagram. The frontal face shows pronounced ancient wear and polishing, compatible with repeated devotional handling and practices. The projecting parts reveal the golden color of the metal, while a deep brown-black patina remains in the hollows and incisions. Some irregularities and small ancient casting flaws are visible, with no major restoration apparent. Origin: Western India, probably Gujarat or Rajasthan. Dating: around 1800, at the turn of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Dimensions: 23.5 × 14.5 × 9 cm. Weight: 2.370 kg. Provenance: RM Lefevre Collection, formed between 1979 and 2009. Acquired directly from the collector’s widow in 2025. A provenance letter may accompany the piece. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/liy430wxc9rifpuz9c2wc/AN8kLpGzV2xOqBSv6tuEl5U?rlkey=7o5hxsmnps0l3alreiuvfwhtw&dl=0

Estimate:£1,186.65

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