Date: Circa 19th century
Geography: South India
Dimensions: 30cm H x 14cm W x 11.5cm D
Weight: 2.819kg
Material: Bronze
Condition: Very good for its age, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This 19th-century bronze is a traditional Chola-style representation of Shiva and Parvati, hand cast using the lost-wax technique, a fine example of South Indian craftsmanship. The divine couple stand together in an embrace, a form known as Alingana Murti, representing the union of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Shakti (divine energy).
Lord Shiva
Shiva is shown with four arms:
Lower right hand: in Abhaya Mudra, the gesture of fearlessness. The palm is marked with a diamond, cross and four dots, symbolising cosmic balance and spiritual protection.
Upper right hand: holds a parashu (battle axe), which cuts through worldly attachments and frees the soul from sorrow.
Upper left hand: holds a mriga (deer), reflecting his role as protector of all living beings.
Lower left arm: embraces Parvati, his hand resting on her breast, signifying their union.
His headdress is adorned with the crescent moon, as Shiva Chandrashekhara, “the moon-crested one”, representing the cycles of creation and destruction.
Goddess Parvati
Parvati is shown with a gentle, smiling expression:
Left hand: holds a conch, signifying her role as Shakti, the energy that flows through all living things.
Right hand: rests on Shiva’s thigh, expressing her inseparability from him and shringara, divine love and beauty.
Shared details
Both figures wear belt buckles decorated with the Kirtimukha (“Face of Glory”), representing the dissolution of ego and protection against negative energy. The couple stand on a padma (sacred lotus) base, the traditional symbol of purity, spiritual enlightenment and fertility.
Provenance
This piece was formerly part of the McAllister Collection, assembled by Professor J. Gilbert McAllister and Cora McAllister. Professor McAllister was Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Texas, and the couple were noted for their extensive and scholarly collection of Asian art.
As with all our antique pieces, this statue is one of a kind, and natural variations in patina, casting texture and surface wear should be expected as part of its authentic character and history. Dimensions and weight are approximate
Date: Circa 19th century
Geography: South India
Dimensions: 30cm H x 14cm W x 11.5cm D
Weight: 2.819kg
Material: Bronze
Condition: Very good for its age, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This 19th-century bronze is a traditional Chola-style representation of Shiva and Parvati, hand cast using the lost-wax technique, a fine example of South Indian craftsmanship. The divine couple stand together in an embrace, a form known as Alingana Murti, representing the union of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Shakti (divine energy).
Lord Shiva
Shiva is shown with four arms:
Lower right hand: in Abhaya Mudra, the gesture of fearlessness. The palm is marked with a diamond, cross and four dots, symbolising cosmic balance and spiritual protection.
Upper right hand: holds a parashu (battle axe), which cuts through worldly attachments and frees the soul from sorrow.
Upper left hand: holds a mriga (deer), reflecting his role as protector of all living beings.
Lower left arm: embraces Parvati, his hand resting on her breast, signifying their union.
His headdress is adorned with the crescent moon, as Shiva Chandrashekhara, “the moon-crested one”, representing the cycles of creation and destruction.
Goddess Parvati
Parvati is shown with a gentle, smiling expression:
Left hand: holds a conch, signifying her role as Shakti, the energy that flows through all living things.
Right hand: rests on Shiva’s thigh, expressing her inseparability from him and shringara, divine love and beauty.
Shared details
Both figures wear belt buckles decorated with the Kirtimukha (“Face of Glory”), representing the dissolution of ego and protection against negative energy. The couple stand on a padma (sacred lotus) base, the traditional symbol of purity, spiritual enlightenment and fertility.
Provenance
This piece was formerly part of the McAllister Collection, assembled by Professor J. Gilbert McAllister and Cora McAllister. Professor McAllister was Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Texas, and the couple were noted for their extensive and scholarly collection of Asian art.
As with all our antique pieces, this statue is one of a kind, and natural variations in patina, casting texture and surface wear should be expected as part of its authentic character and history. Dimensions and weight are approximate
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