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.
Showing 49–55 of 55 results
This finely cast metalwork brass Shakyamuni Buddha reflects the conservative tradition of Nepalese sculpture which experienced few changes in proportion or decorative details over the past several hundred years. Originating stylistically from Gupta and later Pala Indian art, Nepalese artists created their unique style from the 6th-7th centuries that evolved to a distinctive physiognomy including…
This lovely vintage 20th century Thai bronze statue is the White Clad Guanyin seated in meditation on a multi-tiered throne holding her vial of precious dew. Her open hood is centered by a mandorla surrounding an image of Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. This one of a kind piece is a vision of compassionate serenity with her half closed eyes and benevolent smile.
This large and heavy vintage Axum cross is centered with a never-ending knot created by pierced geometric forms enhanced by etched lines. The flared arms have modified rectangle that may represent the Ark of the Covenant. The knotted endless lines thwart malevolent beings from entering or reaching the wearer and conquer demons by trapping them. Using the lost wax technique, it is a one-of-a-kind pendant. The chain necklace is not included.
This vintage Coptic Axum cross pendant has a circle on top with pierced cutouts and the body has extended arms ending in stylized rectangles with etched circles decorated with etched cross-hatching. The rectangles may represent the Ark of the Covenant. The stamped circles are “protective eyes” to deflect misfortune and avert the “evil eye.” Made using the lost wax technique, it is a one of a kind piece. The chain necklace is not included.
This extremely decorative and lyrical pendant is beautifully crafted with elegant symmetry and curved pleasing designs. The tri-partite design depicts the Trinity. The three arms each have three-sided elaborate extensions, with etched circles that represents the eternal and everlasting love of God demonstrated in Christ’s Crucifixion as well as “protective eye” symbols to bring blessings and repel evil forces and avert the “evil eye.” The chain necklace is not included.
This vintage Coptic cross has several circles which represent God’s everlasting love, Christ’s halo and his infinite love and resurrection. They are symbols with special powers that can bring blessings and repel evil forces and harm. The four stylized birds transform the cross into the Tree of Life and Knowledge , the True Cross, the beginning and end of time, and the unique lineage of the Ethiopian people to the biblical Queen of Sheba. Made of coin silver using the lost wax technique, it is a one-of-a-kind pendant with normal signs of wear. The chain necklace is not included.
This vintage Ethiopian cross pendant was hand crafted in Axum, known for its crosses with religious geometric shapes and symbols and apotropaic symbols to provide protection to the wearer. The center with cutouts and etched linear decorations simulates an “endless knot” to entangle malevolent spirits and the small incised circles on the arms are “protective eyes” that are believed to bring blessings, deflect misfortune and avert the “evil eye.” The chain necklace is not included.
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