Possible Lapis lazuli item

[donkeykong]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone could help identify this item? I have been told it could possibly be lapis lazuli?
I have come across a few items whilst clearing out my grandparents house, but am lacking knowledge as to what some items are so I was hoping to gain some knowledge from showing you guys... Thanks in advance

 

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[jcc]

The bottom may have makers marks that are important in identifying the age and culture it came from.

You might want to add them to the photos.

 

[Red-Coat]

Welcome to Tnet.

Nice, although I don’t think it’s very old (not hundreds of years). It does look to be lapis lazuli and a loosely-styled Buddha figurine. If you examine closely with a loupe you might see the tell-tale signs of machine-grinding and cutting wheels.

That diagonal line on the back running from shoulder to hip is not an accidental feature. It’s what’s known as a “Brahmin Thread” (also known as an “upanayana” and a whole bunch of other names according to region and community). Although that doesn’t narrow down to an individual country or a specific date, it does narrow down the culture.

It’s a sacred thread indicating a rite of passage into Hinduism and worn as a symbol of high status in the caste system for the Brahmin and Kshatriya castes only. It signifies that the wearer is twice born: the first time by his mother and the second time when he is initiated into Hinduism.