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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Pre 1900: Item # 1453950

Please refer to our stock # 172 when inquiring.

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Conservatoire Sakura
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Nice
Quartier des Antiquaires
0607111583

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An unusual model of Phurba in lost wax cast bronze and gilded with mercury. Iron blade. The handle is made up of a whole bust of the deity and not just a head as we can usually find it. Known models with busts are extremely rare, there are 2 or 3 in the museums of Delhi. Examination shows us that it is not a montage from a cut statuette but that the bust was cast especially for this Phurba. The lower part of the skull necklace was broken and lost; it was replaced. The iron blade, very oxidized, was peeling off. It has recently been well consolidated by the grafting of a piece of iron and resin. The whole seems to me very old 17th century or before, the patina is beautiful, the wear correct, the state of the steel and the fact that the necklace was replaced are good signs, however a skilful counterfeiter could have them. I have a good feeling, it is not modern, maybe an old copy made in 1900 or really old? I fully understand that it is difficult if not impossible to judge from photos also the Phurba can be visible at the conservatory in Nice for an handling . There is a wax seal on the back which must obstruct a hollow, in which there must be relics or prayers. There are inscriptions on this stamp. Is it a prayer stamp, a customs merchant or export certificate? This stamp may or may not indicate a copy. High; 195mm