Very small Buddhist monk ...

... only 4 cm high, cast from brass and a flea market find. Probably some sort of souvenir. Can you please tell me where he comes from and when ?

 

The figure appears to be naked, in which case he may be a Jain amulet rather than Buddhist. @Any Jewelry can tell you more.

 

You're right, it is Jain. It depicts a Jina in meditation, probably meant for a small home altar.
A Jina is to Jainism what Buddha is to Buddhism.

This is definitely not some sort of a souvenir. It is antique, venerable and pretty rare. The last Jain statuette I sold was in the 1980s, so no idea of current values, but they are more valuable than Hindu or Buddhist bronzes of the same size.

 

So this might have fit in a portable amulet/altar case worn on one's person ?

 

No, it is probably for a home altar. Jains generally don't have extravagant religious adornment the way some Buddhists do.

 

Another thread on a Jain figure:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/small-bronze-statue.66778/

 

Many thanks for the fine answers ! Any idea about how old it is ?

 

Powerful little piece.