Heavy Nepalese Highly-Detailed Bronze Tibetan 19th Century Dragon Fertility Door Handle

Intro/Background:

I discovered this treasure in a small, tucked-away shop in Santa Monica, California — one of those small shops on a side street off the beaten path where you can barely move without bumping into something, it is so stocked full of oddities and curious.  Where you could spend a day and still not be able to examine the many artifacts amassed from all over the world.  It was my favorite shop for many years. I know not if it still stands today, nor do I remember the name of the shop, but the shopkeeper was of an advanced age.  His eyes would light up whenever I entered, and he would shuffle over to eagerly show me his latest find.  It was never disappointing.  Whenever I would ask how he came to come by such a unique and well-preserved piece of history, he would simply smile and say (in broken English; an accent hard to pinpoint), “I am treasure hunter.”

As soon as he brought this deep bronze nearly black door handle to my attention, I knew it was mine.  I recognized the familiar Nepalese male fertility deity symbol immediately.  And, having just picked out a similar yet distinct Tibetan door handle for one of my double front doors (also now available on this site), I had to have it.

The fertility symbol door handles were not uncommon.  Designed to grant fertility to all who touch it, it is an historic wish that all who enter will be blessed with abundant procreation.  And, as the father of seven children, I can attest that through the many years I lived in that home, the door handles did their job!

The Face:

A traditional male Tibetan symbol, the details on the face are extraordinary.  From the clearly-defined teeth, the thick eyebrows lined with individual hairs, the large and detailed almost-beast-like nose, the piece is mesmerizing.  The high crested forehead and the “mustache” that also serve as (again, animal-like) whiskers, compose a fierce and very male countenance.  

The Body:

The well-known pose with extended claws and clearly phallic symbol, make it very clear the figure is both male and fierce.  Detailed artistry down both legs to the “toes” visible at it’s base create an eye-catching and pleasing figure.  What appear to be almost winglike feathers extending out from the lower legs again give the suggestion of a man/beast.

Brackets at the top and bottom of the piece ensure a firm and secure attachment that will withstand use and handling.

The Frog:

While many creatures symbolize fertility, the frog is one of the most common.  At the base of the handle, just below the feet of the figure, a clearly-clearly-defined frog rests.  The reason frogs have been historically associated with fertility is the fact that females can lay almost 20,000 eggs in one season.  The frog also denotes abundance because of that remarkable capability.

Also a symbol of life-giving waters, the frog can exist both on land and in water.  Because of this ability, they generally represent a dual capability: to exist both in the spirit world and the human world.

The addition of the frog is a beautiful and unique post-script to this fertility symbol.  Good luck, healing powers, ancient wisdom, knowledge and power are all associated with the appearance of the frog.  Thus, the door handle encompasses a wealth of good fortune to those entering the domicile.

Dimensions/Weight/Size

This handle is substantial, weighing over one pound and measuring over a foot long!   At its widest (the lower bracket), it is 3 and 1/2 inches. The depth at its widest (back bracket to front claws) is 4 and 1/2 inches.  In all, this handle is an impressive piece of artistry that would do justice to even the most formidable door.

Weight: 1.15 pounds

Height: 13.75 inches

Width:  3.5 inches

Depth:  4.5 inches