Large Himalayan Limestone Buddha Stele with Naga and Temple Relief – Nepal – Pre-1960 – 122 cm

Large Himalayan Limestone Buddha Stele with Naga and Temple Relief

Dimensions: H 122 × W 45 cm
Weight: estimated approx. 150–200 kg
Material: limestone / natural stone
Origin: Nepal, Himalayan region
Date: pre-1960; probably 19th to first half 20th century
Provenance: reportedly brought from Nepal to Europe in the 1960s

Description

Monumental Buddhist stone stele centred on a seated Buddha and surrounded by numerous smaller Buddha figures set within architectural niches. The relief is arranged as a temple or shrine programme with protective figures, naga iconography and heavily carved supporting elements at the base.

Original polychromy

Clear remnants of the original painted decoration survive across the surface. Old blue pigment is preserved in recessed areas, together with traces of red and yellow/gold. The surviving colour follows the original relief and shows that the stele was once far more richly polychromed.

Surface and condition

The surface is heavily weathered, with age-related wear, softened relief details, discoloration, small losses and local erosion. These traces are consistent with prolonged display and use in a religious or architectural setting.

Provenance

The stele is said to have been brought from Nepal to Europe in the 1960s. This early European provenance is recorded with the object as transmitted ownership history.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.