Metalwork has been used to create Asian statues and decorative pieces for millennia. The earliest metalwork items were ritual vessels for worshipping or presenting offerings to ancestors and the gods, objects celebrating important events in the lives of rulers and ancestors, or images of gods and deities worshipped by devotees. Our collection has fine metalwork items made either using the lost wax casting method or by casting pieces using a mold. The lost wax produces a one-of-a-kind work of art because the mold is damaged, altered or destroyed during or after its use as exemplified by utilitarian and religious item made by Indian Dhorka metalsmiths. Molded pieces can produce multiple versions most often using bronze, brass, iron and metal alloys with smaller works made using gold and silver Originally only for the rich and imperially sanctioned, especially in China, metals were later used to make utilitarian vessels and utensils, ceremonial, ritualistic. decorative and religious objects, architectural ornamentation, personal ornament, weapons, armor and bells. Metal craft techniques include repousse, hammering, embossing, cloisonné, enameling among others. Thai, Burmese and Nepalese items in our site including Buddha images, are generally mold made using bronze, brass, and other copper alloys.
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Large and heavy silver pendant with 4 armed Ganesh in betel shape frame reaching for his favorite treat modak sweet dumplings with coconut. As the remover of obstacles Ganesh pendants worn for good luck . The coin silver chain is included.
Antique horseshoe shaped Tuareg “King” manilla, magnificent metalwork, 10 faceted flat finial ends with traditional etched and hammered geometric designs, excellent condition, fine patina.
Elegant Ethiopian Latin Cross with a raised rounded cross in center. Soft edges and matted surface from wear impart feeling of grace and warmth. Made using lost-wax, it is one-of-a-kind. Chain not included.
Simple Latin cross surmounted by a raised rounded cross in the center. Although it is heavy with a distinct and massive feel, its soft edges and matted surface impart a feeling of grace and warmth. Unadorned Latin crosses are relatively rare.
Thai bronze Lopburi style Buddha in Earth Witnessing position on decorative pierced throne on 3 footed curved base wearing simple 2-part Theravada Buddhist monk’s robe showing his modest religious devotion. Heavy statue filled with cement binder.
In the Han, belt hooks became a symbol of wealth, high status and power hung vertically from belt holes used in life and buried with the deceased for his journey to the afterlife . Ornamented with incised decoration this beautiful piece is dragon shaped with beautiful verdigris deposits.
Luristan nomads made sophisticated bronzes prized in the ancient world for their designs and fine craftsmanship. This Iron Age finely cast curved long horned goat is set on a lucite base.
This traditional African hammered iron gong is elegantly shaped like a flaring bell. Heat riveted, a forging process joining two metal pieces together, it was made by Congolese tribal people. Made with 5 parallel lines of 5 decorative round bulges on both sides, it was often held using a raffia handle and beaten using sticks covered with rubber at its end. Originally a ritual instrument, they were also beaten to call members of special restricted societies to meetings and were a symbol of wealth, prestige, and influence.
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