Antique cast bronze dharmachakra with a central lotus rosette within the spoked wheel. The top has an ornamental finial with a stupa like motif and the base features a devotional figure in a meditative pose holding an offering or bowl. The wavy, hook-like spokes projecting outward mimic flaming jewels or stylized rays common in Esoteric (Tantric) Buddhist art. A dharmachakra with 12 spokes symbolizes the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda), explaining the chain of cause and effect that binds sentient beings to the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The long mounting tang at the bottom convoys that this would have been a part of a temple. The piece has its original patina due to its age, and should be from the 1800s or early 1900s, south east Asia.

~ Eina Ahluwalia

Approximate Dimensions : 18.5 inches in height and 12.5 inches in width. 4 kilograms in weight.