Chinese Bronze Buddhist Votive Mold with Inscription Marked for Northern Qi, Tianbao (551 CE)

$12,500.00
An object of spiritual grace and superb craftsmanship, this finely cast bronze votive mold reflects the enduring devotional artistry of late Qing China. Measuring approximately 2.75 inches by 4.5 inches, it bears a series of crisply defined Buddha figures in relief, arranged in the classical Northern style and surrounded by an inscription of elegant Chinese calligraphy: 大齊天保二年五月十五日 草堂孟敬造千佛龕一合 馬牢三人合造 七月十五日 何大仙造 千佛龕 任天下太平 On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, in the second year of Tianbao of Great Qi, This Thousand-Buddha shrine was made by Caotang Meng Jing. Jointly crafted by the three men of Ma Lao. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, made by He Daxian. A Thousand-Buddha shrine, wishing peace under Heaven. Though echoing the ancient forms of the Northern Qi and Tang dynasties, this piece most likely dates to the 19th century, a period of profound cultural revival and renewed interest in Buddhist iconography. Whether originally intended for pressing sacred rice cakes or as a votive plaque offered within a temple setting, its form and function remain steeped in mystery and reverence. The surface retains a deep, time-earned patina consistent with age and ritual handling, lending warmth and authenticity to the composition. Such devotional bronzes—authentic or later homage—have been cherished for centuries as tokens of faith and as embodiments of artistic continuity in the Buddhist tradition. From the perspective of connoisseurship, examples of this type remain rare in Western collections and have appeared in leading sales of Asian art at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Its sculptural quality, crisp detailing, and meditative presence make it equally suited for a collector of early Asian bronzes or for display in a refined interior. Dimensions: 2.75" H × 4.5" W Origin: China, likely Qing Dynasty (19th century) Medium: Cast bronze with inscribed field Condition: Excellent, with expected wear and patination commensurate with age A rare and collectible piece suitable for connoisseurs of Chinese antiquities, or those drawn to the elegance of classical symbolism in bronze form. Check out some of my other antiques: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
An object of spiritual grace and superb craftsmanship, this finely cast bronze votive mold reflects the enduring devotional artistry of late Qing China. Measuring approximately 2.75 inches by 4.5 inches, it bears a series of crisply defined Buddha figures in relief, arranged in the classical Northern style and surrounded by an inscription of elegant Chinese calligraphy: 大齊天保二年五月十五日 草堂孟敬造千佛龕一合 馬牢三人合造 七月十五日 何大仙造 千佛龕 任天下太平 On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, in the second year of Tianbao of Great Qi, This Thousand-Buddha shrine was made by Caotang Meng Jing. Jointly crafted by the three men of Ma Lao. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, made by He Daxian. A Thousand-Buddha shrine, wishing peace under Heaven. Though echoing the ancient forms of the Northern Qi and Tang dynasties, this piece most likely dates to the 19th century, a period of profound cultural revival and renewed interest in Buddhist iconography. Whether originally intended for pressing sacred rice cakes or as a votive plaque offered within a temple setting, its form and function remain steeped in mystery and reverence. The surface retains a deep, time-earned patina consistent with age and ritual handling, lending warmth and authenticity to the composition. Such devotional bronzes—authentic or later homage—have been cherished for centuries as tokens of faith and as embodiments of artistic continuity in the Buddhist tradition. From the perspective of connoisseurship, examples of this type remain rare in Western collections and have appeared in leading sales of Asian art at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Its sculptural quality, crisp detailing, and meditative presence make it equally suited for a collector of early Asian bronzes or for display in a refined interior. Dimensions: 2.75" H × 4.5" W Origin: China, likely Qing Dynasty (19th century) Medium: Cast bronze with inscribed field Condition: Excellent, with expected wear and patination commensurate with age A rare and collectible piece suitable for connoisseurs of Chinese antiquities, or those drawn to the elegance of classical symbolism in bronze form. Check out some of my other antiques: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP