Featured Small Bronze Statue

Hi
Curious if this little fella is of Indian/Nepalese origin. His ears are rather large, who is he?
Your replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Very interesting. Looks like it has some nice age..What is the size?

 

He may be a "sky clad" (naked) figure related to the Jain religion in India. I will tag someone who can probably explain it better than I can.
@Any Jewelry

 

Like this fellow:

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/5682/jina-jain

 

the 'size'.....of what ?????

 

My first thought on seeing the bindi and ears was a Buddha. A little further down and "he's a happy one for sure". No idea what he really is.

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Only you, Komo!!!!!

 

https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auc...&au=8555&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=1&pp=96&pn=1&g=1

 

Dare I say ‘similar’.. But maybe that one looks even “happier” with those hands in the air.. Must be celebrating..

 

He is 7 inches tall.

 

He does look very similar. Thanks

 

Thanks

 

Hahaha yes he is.

 

You've got a pretty rare bronze there, AnMarie.

@2manybooks is right, he is one of the 24 Jinas or Tirthankaras of Jainism.
Jainism is one of the oldest philosophies of India. Like Buddhism, it is not a religion. The most important aspects of Jainism are non-violence, non-attachment, and non-absolutism. Non-absolutism means that you can't pretend to know or make a statement about the absolute truth, because it is too complex to be captured in words or ideologies.
There are two main branches of Jainism, recognizable as the ones who wear white clothing, and the ones who are naked or 'sky-clad' as a symbol that they have denounced all worldly possessions.

A Jina is a 'perfect being', which means a person who has managed to eliminate all worldly cravings, inner passions and negativity, and can serve as an example and teacher to others.
In Digambara or 'sky-clad' Jainism a Jina is called a Tirthankara, which means 'ford-maker'. Tirthankaras prepare a 'ford', a passable place for others to cross from the world of earthly passions and attachment to enlightenment.

Your figure represents one such Tirthankara or 'ford-maker'. He is standing in meditation.
It was made in Southern India, and it is antique. I don't know exactly how old, but you could be surprised by its age.
I advise you to contact a museum specialised in Indian religious art. Their experts will be able to tell you more about your Tirthankara.

It is a genuine and important symbol of a special philosophy, and therefore a special object to own.

 

Oh wow, thank you so much for your reply.
He was up for sale at our local auction house, a few times, (they mainly sell house clearance items), no one wanted him. I was intrigued by the little guy, and thought that he was quite old so bought him. I only paid €58
Thanks again for such an informative post, very much appreciated

 

You're welcome, AnMarie. A very unusual find, and the price is amazing, wow.
It is one of those things not many people recognize, which could be why he wasn't picked up before. He was waiting for someone with a good eye for special items.

Will you let us know when you find out more?

 

Yes of course, and thanks again for such fab info.

 

The Rubin Museum might help:

https://rubinmuseum.org/