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Hi there. I was given a small (2 5/8 inches tall, 1 1/4 inches wide at base) solid silver Buddha from a friend who does not know its origin. It is unlike any other Buddha/Buddhist deity figurines and I am trying to identify it. It has a stamp on the bottom. The figure is holding a stupa type object and there is a Buddha or deity on the hat. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

Hello,

That is an interesting piece, however I am doubtful whether it is a portrayal of Buddha, though certainly Buddhist, the man's headcovering resembles that of a Tibetan monk.

Based on the size, I am wondering if it may have been a piece from a Buddhist themed chess set.

Another possibility is that it is a seal.

A good place to start is by getting some macro close-up photos of the hallmarks stamped into the rim of the bottom of the statue, it looks as if there are at least 4 hallmarks.

Those hallmarks may be helpful in determining the age, the maker, or perhaps when the piece was imported into another country such as Great Britain.

I would avoid over-cleaning or polishing the piece, as you may lose important details.

Refer to the owners manual for your camera for the best way to take macro close-ups, usually a button with an icon which looks like a tulip.
Pushing the macro button tells the camera you intend on focusing on minute details.

Also a good idea to learn to use your camera's timer so that you can pose the item, focus the camera accordingly with the camera sitting on the table, and take the photo without shaking the camera.
Also a good idea, is to turn off your camera's flash, and instead use a flashlight which you can use to illuminate the hallmarks.

At any rate I think you will have fun and also get much more detail and clarity in your photos, which will only make your studies of this statue easier.

Cheers
Gman

Hi,
I agree with Gman that this enigmatic little sculpture represents a Buddhist Lama. The tiny figure in the headdress is Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite light and a long life Buddha. It is really unusual to find a Buddha in a Lama's headress. A small Buddha Amitabha in the headdress is part of the iconography of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
The the robes of this image look more Mongolian or Chinese than Tibetan and at a guess I would go for a Chinese origin. I don't think the marks Gman has circled are hallmarks. They are chops that have been made into the soft silver to drag silver tags towards the centre and hence hold the copper base plate in place. The Lama is holding a Buddhist Stupa in his hands and the engraved design on the base plate represents a visavajra or crossed vajras. This is one of the symbols ot Tibetan or Vajrayana Buddhism.
The copper base plate seals in relics and/or prayers and indicates that the image has been concecrated.
This appears to be a genuine little sculpture to me. As to age, that is difficult as the whole piece is so enigmatic. Stylistically, it looks 18-19th cetury, but may be later.
Phillip Adams

Hi Phillip,
Everything you wrote makes perfect sense, and it is always good to learn about details such as those you have pointed out.

I agree that this piece is enigmatic, and I wish I could see some clearer close-ups.

All in all it would be a fun piece to study.

Thanks for your insights!
Cheers
Gman

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