East Asia, Tibet or China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A larger-than-life brass hand from Varapani, the bodhisattva whose name literally means "Indestructible Hand" or the hand of Buddha - an emblem of Buddha's power. This is a beautiful and spiritual piece that is stylized with clawed nails and fingers forming the apana mudra gesture and may have also held a vajra (dorje). The hollow casting enables the wrist opening to rest on a wooden tenon upon the intricate base, open worked carved with spiraling cloud or wave like forms. This display pedestal was an element added later to compliment and support this treasured hand. Varapani is often depicted as a raksha or demon, with a wrathful expression to instill fear and respect, his skin a blue color - the brass surface has remains of this iconic blue pigment. This hand may have been cast as a standalone blessing or part of a larger statue that would undoubtably also been massive! Size: 7" L x 5" W x 9" H (17.8 cm x 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171709

Losses to pigments on hand and surface abrasions. Chips to upper fingernails. Nice green patina and dark toning throughout. Stable pressure fissure on wood tenon join and wrist is slightly loose but still stable and secure on the stand. Light mineral deposits within wood openwork. Stand is intact and excellent.