Exceptional & rare Tibetan 10th Century Bronze Tockcha Togcha Buddhist Belt Buckle Amulet

This is a RARE opportunity to own a very EARLY piece of Buddhist history!

This is a truly remarkable work of art that has survived intact over many centuries!

It is a delightful solid bronze ancient artifact that just feels amazing in your hand!

The central part of it depicts a man astride a clearly POWERFUL beast that has turned its head back to stare at the rider! The rider appears to have just jumped onto the beast as he is side-saddle and has hold of the beast at the chin/muzzle and there is no saddle.

On close inspection in the top left corner, just behind the ear of the beast there appears to be an ANTLER or horn depicted so this could be some type of large stag. Stags were commonly depicted in the art of the Westen Steppes culture which was on the ancient Silk Route between China and Europe.

It is believed that this was originally a belt buckle and this would appear reasonable as there are holes in the top two loops/fitments and the overal shape/size fits with known/documented bronze belt buckles of that period.

This type of small metalwork is known as “open work” which refers to the sections that have been left open so you can see through to the back. It is not ‘pierced’. You can see a similar ancient bronze piece that sold at Bonhams for over 3,000 Euros in the image provided (for information).

From Wikipedia:
“Thokcha are metal objects approximately 2–15 centimetres (0.79–5.91 in), originally made to function as horse harnesses, buckles, fibulae, and arrowheads. Many years later, after their creation, they are reused by the Tibetan people as protective amulets and adornments for clothing, lighters, and purses.

Some thokcha may represent real or legendary creatures, often being deities originating from Bon or Buddhism. However, since many thokcha pieces are very abstract in their forms, the precise figures they are made to represent remain uncertain.”

In very good, solid and condition as shown – it has survived remarkably well. Most likely it was buried in a ceramic pot/vase or leather so did not interact with wet soil. You can see a similar type of belt buckle that is around 2,000 years old in similar condition in the final image provided which is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

This wonderful work of art measures 75mm across x 45mm high x 7mm thick.

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