Nepalese Pair of Temple Guardian Figures

Snarling guardian beast sits on a tiered lotus base, mouth wide open.

This pair of bronze temple guardian figures is from Nepal, and dates to the 20th century. Nepalese metalworkers, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, have a long tradition of casting bronze and copper alloys into religious images, often using the lost-wax technique. Small, glossy golden lion-like figure with open jaws, a curled mane, a decorated saddle blanket and one raised front paw. It rests on a stepped square plinth edged with a row of petal forms, and the surface is polished and bright. It is 13 inches wide, 16.5 deep and 22 high.

Fierce expression, immaculate polish, and not a hair out of place.