Nepal, First Half Of The 20th Century, Important Bronze Representation Of A Snow Lion

Origin: Nepal
Age: First half of the 20th century
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 31 x 27.5 cm
Condition: Very good state of conservation
Provenance: From a set of a private collection

Imposing finely chiseled bronze representation of a snow lion. He is represented camped on his four legs, his mouth open revealing his fangs, tongue hanging out. It is adorned with a chain around the neck receiving a bell and an ornament above the head in the shape of a lotus bud. Plant motifs adorn the top of the limbs and small wings are attached to the back of the legs. The mane is materialized by a series of long curls referring to the aesthetics of the tail in arabesque, the latter ending in a stylized flower. The head used to be removable, which would give us the impression that we are dealing here with an incense burner.