Bronze tiger(?)

Hello,

I recently purchased this bronze (blackened) tiger (or leopard) figurine in Pakistan, from an Afghan dealer who said it had been unearthed in Afghanistan ().

It is about 5 x 2 inches. Heavy for size. There are grooves with a white enamel or other substance embedded.

Any perspectives about origin, age and technique?

James

 

the dealer had none of the answers for the questions you're asking...????

did he know where it was dug up?

 

Yes, please tell us what you were told about it.

Debora

 

I've taken the liberty of reposting one of your photographs as Full Image so it's easier for everyone to see.

Debora

 

I'd be a bit concerned about its overall wear and the fact that it is so similar to the "zodiac" tiger figurines coming out of China.

Debora

 

Thanks for the replies. He indicated that it was found in Afghanistan by one of his relatives, around Bamiyan. I'm naturally quite skeptical, and it wasn't expensive. A lot of fakes in S Asia, and I have no expertise with this sort of object. I do have expertise in antique textiles and rugs, and the dealer did have some genuinely old rugs and textiles, for what it's worth.

James

 

Thank you for providing the above.

Debora

 

Given the location and the enamel, it could have been made in India.
No wear on the feet (thank you for the photo), so not very old.
So a charming cast bronze or brass figurine of a feline, with enamel details. It doesn't have a tiger's 'sideburns', so possibly a leopard?

 

The photo of this one is not very good, but from the posture it appears to be the same casting:

https://www.yanapumashop.com/products/yanapuma-mini-iron-statue

Described as being cast iron, made in India.

Does yours respond to a magnet?

 

Nice catch! I'll check to see how it responds to a magnet when I have a chance.

James

 

an Afghan seller....in Pakistan ...........

the trust level....is...well.......not so much !

 

There are many Afghan (and Turkmen) dealers in Pakistan. Almost all of them fled to Pakistan during the Soviet invasion in the 1980s.

 

The one I bought doesn't respond at all to a magnet, so it's not cast iron. I suppose it's from the same manufacturer (mass produced), but using different metals?

James

 

Could be. It is also possible the description of the one at yanapumashop is not accurate. Technical details may get lost in translation.