Gilt Copper and Crystal Ganesh Image

A Nepalese or Tibetan gilt copper and rock crystal Ganesh (Tsod…
click the photo to enlarge
A Nepalese or Tibetan gilt copper and rock crystal Ganesh (Tsod Dak) 19th century, the face is carved from a large piece of rock crystal with gilded copper mounts with applied stones., the gilded copper Crown is in floral form with nine peaks, embellished with twelve gems in box mounts., the upper part of the reverse of the image is enclosed in gilded copper with an applied hook to allow the image to be suspended within a shrine, 30 cm high, 20.5 cm wide. Provenance: Purchased from Michael Backman, Ltd, London. Other Notes: the use of inlaid stones and the form of the metal work suggests that the Ganapati possibly was made by Newar craftsmen operating in Tibet, possibly in the Gyanste region.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Gilding - Gilding is a method of ornamentation whereby a thin sheet of gold metal is applied to items made of wood, leather, ceramics, glass and silver for decorative purposes.

    For furniture including mirrors, the sheet of gold is usually applied over a coating of gesso. Gesso is a mixture of plaster of Paris and gypsum mixed with water and then applied to the carved wooden frames of mirrors and picture frames as a base for applying the gold leaf. After numerous coats of gesso have been applied, allowed to dry and then sanded a coat of "bole", a usually red coloured mixture of clay and glue is brushed on and allowed to dry, after which the gold leaf is applied. Over time parts of the gilding will rub off so the base colour can be seen. In water gilding, this was generally a blue colour, while in oil gilding, the under layer was often yellow. In Victorian times, gilders frequently used red as a pigment beneath the gold leaf.

    Metal was often gilded by a process known as fire gilding. Gold mixed with mercury was applied and heated, causing the mercury to evaporate, the long-term effect of which was to kill or disable the craftsman or woman from mercury poisoning. The pursuit of beauty has claimed many victims, not the least of which were the artists who made those pieces so highly sought after today.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

An impressive 19th century Japanese ivory okimono group, on a wooden base, depicting two lively performers with flowering brocade court robes, one with traditional kotsuzumi drum, unsigned, 22 cm high. Provenance: The collection of Amina & Franco Belgiorno

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Chinese enamelled silver gilt figure, modelled as a young mandolin player costumed in an enamelled filigree cloak and shawl, with a stained ivory face, seated on wooden base, 14 cm high including stand

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Chinese white metal censer, with raised dragon flaming pearl design on tri-form base. Height 19 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Parian ware porcelain classical female nude and putti, English, circa 1870, 56 cm high

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.