Brass or Bronze Deities -

A friend of mine offered these to me a few years back. I do not know anything about them, but thought they were interesting and the price was fine. I have done some research and have found information on some, but the one I am interested in is the smallest one. It almost looks as if they are performing a tango while stepping on a couple of individuals. The face is a bull(?) and it has a gilt wash of some type over most of the piece. It is small measuring 5 3/8"h x 2 7/8"w at the base x 1 3/4" depth from the back of the small figure's head to the back of the head dress on the larger figure. It shows some areas of gray and the rest has a gilt or gold wash. Any info as to age, make or origin would be appreciated. Thank you.

Eddie

 

I'd say Brass. The top one resembles the Indian Ganesh. Hindu I believe. Try Googling 'Ganesh' see if you can find something similar Oh, upon second glance the top one looks more bronze than brass....

 

Thank you. Will do the google. Appreciate the info.

Eddie

 

Cool...let us know what you come up with, I may be way off track but I would definately say it's of Indian Origin...good luck

 

a hindu god with a bulls face... ?/???
can't find one....

 

My reference was to the elephant and it's familiarity with the Lord Ganesha & Hindu tradition. In fact all pieces looking like they are of different origin. The figure to the left looks more Egyptian, and the one to the right Oriental, possibly Korean...the Bull is often associated with China but this looks more like a voodoo, witch doctor type figure?

 

have found information on some, but the one I am interested in is the smallest one. It almost looks as if they are performing a tango while stepping on a couple of individuals. The face is a bull(?)

My answer was to the OP's question...

The Lelephant....is Ganesh

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_(bull)

 

Not the same one, but thanks to your suggestion I found one of the others by name of Shiva. The one on the left .. though there were some other statues which also resembled the one on the right. Will look further into it later today. Again thanks.

Eddie

 

Got the Ganesh.. I think both larger ones are Ganesh and the other 2 might both be Shiva. Now the dang bull tango-ing is still a mystery to me. Thanks, komokwa. Appreciate it.

 

Ganesh was correct on the elephants.. the two on the sides are I believe Shiva.. but need to do a more thorough search to make sure.. the bull though still a mystery. Thanks again for the help.

 

The bottom, smallest one, is not brass.

 

The smallest one with the bulls head is Yamantaka, the god of death in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is depicted in Yab Yum, in union with his female companion, who is in fact his own feminine side.
Vajrayana is the type of Buddhism practised in the Himalayas.

 

Ohhheeeee....that's a nasty fella !!!!!!!
Good call AJ !!!!

 

Thanks Komokwa.
I used to have a shop selling Asian antiques. Because I also studied theology/comparative religion/Shamanism, the nasty fellas are easier to recognise.
More recently I switched to internet sales and mostly jewelry, easier to store and ship.

 

Oh.....& less creepy sexy godlike animals !!!

 

This one is certainly not sexy, but not too sure about less creepy:

 

ok...but that looks like it's more from Bali...

 

Yes, it is a 70's pendant from Bali representing the demon queen Rangda.
Rangda is involved in a continuous struggle with Barong, lord of the animals, which ideally leads to a balance between good and evil.

 

i love a good fight....between good and evil......