Early 19th Century Gilt Lacquer Wood Cabinet With Tara Statue

This Java cabinet, adorned with exquisite peacock and foliate carving and molding, is a decorative piece likely crafted during Java’s colonial period. Displaying a distinctive blend of European, Chinese, and local styles, this charming cabinet bears the marks of time, dating back to the 19th century with dimensions of 28″ in height, 15″ in width, and 12″ in depth.

Within the cabinet rests a Nepal Tara statue measuring 13″ in height, 8″ in width, and 7″ in depth. Noteworthy is the Nepalese tradition of creating statues with a high copper content, resulting in a subtle reddish patina as they age. These statues, such as the Tara, exhibit intricate gilding that not only adds decorative detail but also serves to protect them from tarnishing. The traditional lost-wax casting method, a practice in Nepal for centuries, involves a meticulous process executed by skilled artists, highlighting the rich craftsmanship behind these cultural artifacts.