Tibet, 18th Century / Large Buddhist Chimera Head / Bronze And Copper

Origin: Tibet
Antiquity: 18th century
Material: Bronze and copper
Including stand: 26.6 x 17.6 cm
Condition: Time wear and lack of jaw
Provenance: From a set from a private collection

Piece presented on a custom bronze stand

Old figure of chimera in copper and gilded bronze depicting a chimera (makara). It is represented with an open mouth, adorned with a crocodile dentition and decked out with a small coiled elephant trunk pointing upwards. She receives two large eyes as well as two dragon horns placed at the back of the head. The copper volutes overhanging the eyes as well as those located under the ears are mobile. Representations of chimeras such as these are architectural elements aimed at protecting visitors. They appear in China after the Han dynasty and the rise of Buddhism, but remain confined to simple details in sculptures or temples. It is with the Tang and Song dynasties that the makaras are represented as a subject of decoration with a fish body, a dragon's head and an elephant's trunk.