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The casting of this dragon is most unique in that there are none of the usual casting marks or joins, so exactly how it was cast is unclear & defies common techniques. Possibly, the lost-wax technique was used, but the intricacies of the twists, turns & fine detail would seem to defy even a multipiece mold. Viewed from any angle, the overall detail is extraordinary. Even the body's underside has scales, & the mouth has teeth on the top and bottom jaw as well as a tongue that that is detailed back to the mouth's hinge. The dragon is walking upon the clouds which represent cumulus clouds such as would be seen in Tibet. This is a 5-clawed dragon, which is the most Auspicious; in his front right claw, he has a pearl, sometimes referred to as Cintamani. During the 17th-19th century the dragon was a regualr feature on Tibetan Buddhist Altars & large cabinet created at the Sange Monasteries.
Dimensions: H= 3.25" W= 8" D= 3"
Material: Bronze with silver plate
Place of origin: Amdo
Price $1,385.00 plus shipping: West Coast~$29 / MTN States~$32 / Mid West~$35 / Atlantic Coast~$39 SOLD
Iconography
The dragon. Unlike its demonic European counterpart, the Tibetan dragon is a creature of great creative power; a positive icon, representing the strong male yang principle of heaven, change, energy, wealth & creativity. Dragons are shape-shifters, able to transform at will, from as small as the silkworm to a giant that fills the entire sky. The pearls, or jewels clutched in the claws of the dragon represent wisdom and health. The dragon can control the weather by squeezing the jewels to produce dew, rain or even downpours when clutched tightly. The dragon is the vehicle of Vairochana, the white Buddha of the center or the east.
