10 things about Asian Bronze

This figurine is made of copper, the main component of bronze, and was crafted more than 3000 years ago in the Gangetic Plain of Northern India. The object’s purpose is unknown, but it was clearly not purely functional, as the humanoid figure has been shaped and stylized with great care. It may have had a symbolic or ritual function.

Mohenjodaro, where this figurine was made, is located in modern-day Pakistan and was part of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest cultures. As early as 2500 BCE there were vast, carefully planned cities in the region. Very few bronze statues have been found from the Indus Valley Civilization. This figurine of a young woman is a rare example and moreover one of the very earliest bronze statues in Asia.

The posture and hand gestures of this Shiva statue are associated with his main tasks: creating, preserving, concealing, liberating, and destroying. The figure and the fire wreath were cast solidly in one go, placed horizontally, with several pouring nozzles at the back. This allowed the bronze to penetrate all corners of the mould before solidifying. It would be very difficult to make this sculpture, even using modern techniques.

This Buddha is a national treasure in Thailand, and this is the first time it is being shown abroad. Southern Thailand was a melting pot of influences. Images of the Buddha and with a seven-headed nāga, a mythical serpent, are often revered in Cambodia. The style of the statue, however, is characteristically Thai. Thanks to the inscription we even know who made it: Mrateng Shri Nano.

This object in the shape of an elephant is a zun, a ritual wine vessel. It was probably used during ceremonial feasts to honour ancestors. This zun is exceptionally large and was made in a piece mould composed of multiple sections. This elephant could probably be placed over a fire to heat the wine within.

These incense burners are shaped as nghê, Vietnamese mythical creatures that are part dog, part lion. They are believed to bring good luck and are seen as guardians of spiritual life. Just like the incense smoke, nghêensure that the space is guarded from evil influences.

This lamp could be suspended on a chain, perhaps in a Hindu temple. It has four oil compartments, allowing each lamp to cast its own shadow and create a 3D shadow play. On Java, where this lamp was made, the tradition lives on in the form of wayang, a puppet show featuring light and shadow effects.

Makers of these types of bell often knew in advance exactly what tone each individual bell would make when it was cast. Some bells have multiple tones, depending on where the bell is struck. Grooves on the inside further refine the sound. If you speak, sing, or hum next to one of the bells, it will hum along.

This blade has a fantastical form. It is difficult to produce such a complex form in iron, as it can only be forged and cut-out. Bronze, on the other hand, can be cast more easily, allowing for a much greater variety of shapes. The configuration of the blade makes it impractical for use in combat; it was likely a ceremonial weapon.

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Japanese craftsmen developed a technique to create a hidden image in a mirror. Christianity was officially banned during this time, thus mirrors that could reveal a concealed image of the cross or the Virgin Mary became popular as subtle expressions of faith. Yamamoto Akihisa represents the fifth generation of these Kyoto artisans and has carefully preserved this technique.