Antique Bronze Buddha Statue Zanabazar 18th Century Shramana Mudra

Unique object — definitively unavailable after sale. This refined 18th-century Mongolian altar statue is one of the most elegant expressions of the Zanabazar tradition. Its exceptionally harmonious proportions, serene facial expression, and the rare Shramana Mudra make this an object that holds a special place both art-historically and spiritually.

The combination of a pre-industrial lost-wax casting, a completely authentic open construction, and a richly developed historical patina makes this sculpture a museum-worthy collector's item for lovers of authentic Asian art.

• ✓ Authentic antique: Historic bronze altar statue from the 18th century (Qing dynasty).
• ✓ Mongolian Zanabazar style: Classical North Asian Buddhist sculpture with refined Dolon Nor influences.
• ✓ Rare iconography: Buddha depicted with the exceptional Shramana Mudra.
• ✓ Traditional craftsmanship: Hollow cast using the pre-industrial lost-wax method (cire perdue).
• ✓ Historical collector's condition: Completely authentic open construction with natural patina.
• ✓ Includes: Official certificate of authenticity from 1stbuddha.

The Spiritual Power: The Shramana Mudra

The Shramana Mudra is among the rarest hand gestures in Buddhist iconography. It refers to the ascetic who consciously distances himself from worldly desires to achieve complete inner freedom and enlightenment.

• The Path of Detachment: The subtly raised hands before the chest symbolize discipline, simplicity, and spiritual purification.
• Inner Peace: The gentle facial expression and harmonious bodily proportions bring a sense of tranquility and contemplation to any space.
• Zanabazar Aesthetic: The refined anatomy, elegant drapery, and youthful facial features are characteristics of the highly esteemed Mongolian sculptural tradition.
• Personal Altar Piece: Originally crafted as a devotional object for meditation and daily worship.

Forensic Analysis & Material

The construction and surface show all the characteristics of an authentic historical object without modern interventions.

• Open Construction: The underside features the original unsealed design without a metal consecration plate, characteristic of specialized Mongolian casting schools.
• Historical Casting Core: Inside, remnants of the original sand and clay core are visible, along with the original casting plug.
• Natural Oxidation: The interior shows a deep cuprite and olive-colored oxidation that has developed over centuries.
• Altar Wear: The base ring is evenly smooth and polished all around due to prolonged ritual use on a temple altar.
• Traditional Casting Technique: The sculpture is entirely crafted using the classic lost-wax technique (cire perdue), without modern industrial finishing.

Specifications

• Dating: 18th century (Qing dynasty)
• Origin: Mongolia
• Style: Zanabazar / Dolon Nor tradition
• Iconography: Buddha in meditation posture with Shramana Mudra
• Material: Hollow cast bronze
• Technique: Traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue)
• Height: 19.0 cm
• Width: 12.0 cm
• Weight: 1.0 kg
• Condition: Excellent authentic collector's condition with original open construction, natural historical patina, and signs of use consistent with prolonged religious use.