Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A beautiful gilt brass mandorla halo also known as a torana that was a decorative openwork arch for a devotional statue embellished with auspicious symbols from Hindu-Buddhist beliefs. The pair of pegs on the bottom would insert into the statue's base, and there are rings on the verso for securing the mandorla to a wall or in a shrine. At the apex is a Garuda, who is the devotee and vehicle mount (vahana) of Vishnu, a protector, and a symbol of fearlessness, depicted as bird-man hybrid. The rest of the arch is symmetrical on both sides and contain cobras, half human and serpent naga figures, makara dragons, a human figure upon a deer, a snow lion and an elephant. Size: 17" L x 13" W (43.2 cm x 33 cm); gold quality: 7.55% to 15.88%

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired from Arte Antico, New York, USA, July 16th, 2023, lot # 0067

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#183708

A few minor nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Some dark patina and toning, but gold gilt is bright and details are sharp.