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Subject:Ming Guanyin
Posted By: NicolasVietnam Mon, Aug 11, 2014 IP: 123.20.87.98

Hello!

I have a bronze statue of Guanyin in my collection, which is Ming style but I have no idea whether it could be from the period or a later production. The bronze is rather tall, 40cm (weight 8kg), and represents Guanyin in a position similar (but not exact) to the royal ease pose, seated on a rock. The position is rather unusual and I hardly find similar ones on the net and in my books.

I copy below some pictures, and will appreciate any opinion about this statue.

Thanks a lot!

Nicolas

















Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: Michael Wed, Aug 13, 2014

Posting clearly focused close-ups with highest magnification possible will help identify. Also, use larger file sizes; 750 pixels.

Please post clear and well lit pictures of the base in order to see the details of how it was made.

Also, look very closely with a magnifying glass to see how the pieces of the crown were attached to the head. Knowing the method used to attach those pieces will help.

Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: NicolasVietnam Tue, Aug 19, 2014

Dear Michael,

Thanks for your answer. Let me know if those pictures with better resolution may help. (click on them for zoom)

Best regards,

Nicolas

De Collection


De Collection






De Collection


De Collection


De Collection


Inside view (with flash...)


Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: Michael Wed, Aug 20, 2014

Hello Nicolas,

Yes, excellent pictures. IMO the casting is in traditional lost wax method style that would be consistent with dates you mentioned and later.

The fact the crown portions were part of the one-piece casting and not attachments is a good thing.

The casting is high quality, the detail work, while not the best, is better than average, and the finish paint gilding is consistent with use over a good amount of time.

I'm more familiar with old Hindu bronze from Tamil Nadu India and this appears to be Buddhist bronze from Tibet or Nepal.

Online evaluations with pictures are only good to an extent and then I believe it warrants being examined in-hand by a qualified person.

A beautiful piece Nicolas.

Best regards,
Michael

Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: NicolasVietnam Mon, Aug 25, 2014

Dear Michael,

Thanks for sharing your opinion with me.

Sorry, I will take advantage of your help to ask you one more question: you mention that the technique of casting is traditional lost wax method, but how do you recognize this casting method? I tried to find information on the net about the casting methods of Bronze, how to recognize them and how to make the difference between alloys, but the result of my research was not very convincing... A few tips about it, and maybe some recommendations of books would be appreciated.

Thanks and best regards,

Nicolas

Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: Michael Mon, Aug 25, 2014

Hello Nicolas,

There is no quick or easy way to learn this. It is good to learn things you are interested in, knowledge is important, and experience is best.

How I recognize this method comes from 30 years experience in metal products manufacturing, metal products design engineering, and many years studying decorative art techniques both contemporary and ancient.

For differences in non-ferrous alloys studying metallurgy is good to learn. For a good overviews of casting methods you could start at Wikipedia, your local library, and local museums that will have examples. Compare those items with the ones in contemporary gift shops near you.

Best regards,
Michael

Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: j lewis Wed, Aug 27, 2014

A very good explanation -- with pictures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-wax_casting

Subject:Re: Ming Guanyin
Posted By: Michael Wed, Aug 27, 2014

Hi Nicolas,

With antique decorative arts too many times people become fixated on the age of an item and not the quality of the work.

As an example of quality versus age look at the details in the bronze statue by clicking on the link below.

Best regards,
Michael

URL Title :Bronze Statue



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