Bidspirit auction | Mythological guardian lion Simha, Himalayan

Mythological guardian lion Simha, Himalayan religious art, Nepal, 19th century - Bronze. Measures 60 cm x 50 cm. This zoomorphic sculpture in the round depicts a mythical lion standing upright and stable, with all four paws firmly planted and its body slightly forward, accentuating a sense of alertness and vigilance. The highly expressive head features an open mouth with visible fangs and tongue, while the meticulously crafted mane unfolds in rhythmic strands that frame the face and run down the neck. The body is embellished with decorative reliefs, collars, bracers, and ornamental motifs that run along the legs and back, visually articulating the masses and creating a play of light on the metal surface. The deep, homogeneous antique patina testifies to the passage of time and underscores the quality of the casting and modeling. A characteristic work of 19th-century Nepalese religious art, linked to the Himalayan sculptural tradition, where these figures acted as symbolic guardians, concentrating values ​​of protection, power, and spiritual authority through an elaborate formal and decorative synthesis.