Book End (one of a pair) c. 1800

This book end, and its pair, were likely made by an anonymous artist using the lost-wax casting method. This process involves creating a wax model, encasing it in clay, then melting out the wax and pouring molten metal into the resulting mold. The metal here is likely bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin. The reflective surface suggests that it has been gilded with a thin layer of gold, carefully applied after the casting process was complete. The artist likely drew upon traditions of Buddhist sculpture, evident in the figure’s serene expression and symbolic gestures. The labor-intensive processes, from sculpting the wax model to pouring and finishing the metal, highlight the skilled traditions involved. Appreciating the artistry and time embedded in their making reminds us that even functional objects like bookends can be imbued with profound cultural and aesthetic value.