One of a kind pieces. A tree planted with every order
Date: Circa 19th century
Geography: South India
Dimensions: 22cm H x 19cm W x 6cm D
Weight: 746g
Material: Bronze
Condition: Good for its age; the figure leans slightly forward, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This hand-cast bronze statue depicts Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Shiva performs his cosmic dance within a circular frame, representing the continuous cycle of time, creation and destruction.
Iconography
Upper right hand: holds the damaru (hourglass-shaped drum), representing the sound of creation.
Upper left hand: carries agni (fire), symbolising the eventual destruction and dissolution of the cosmos.
Lower right hand: raised in Abhaya Mudra, signifying protection and the removal of fear.
Lower left hand: held in the gajahasta (elephant trunk) pose, pointing towards the raised foot to symbolise liberation from ignorance.
The base: Shiva stands upon the dwarf demon Apasmara, also known as Muyalaka, who represents ego, forgetfulness and spiritual ignorance. Trampling the demon signifies the triumph of wisdom over illusion.
The prabha mandala: the figure is encircled by a ring of flames, representing the entire cosmos and the eternal energy of the divine dance.
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: 22cm H x 19cm W x 6cm D
Weight: 746g
Material: Bronze
Condition: Good for its age; the figure leans slightly forward, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This hand-cast bronze statue depicts Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Shiva performs his cosmic dance within a circular frame, representing the continuous cycle of time, creation and destruction.
Iconography
Upper right hand: holds the damaru (hourglass-shaped drum), representing the sound of creation.
Upper left hand: carries agni (fire), symbolising the eventual destruction and dissolution of the cosmos.
Lower right hand: raised in Abhaya Mudra, signifying protection and the removal of fear.
Lower left hand: held in the gajahasta (elephant trunk) pose, pointing towards the raised foot to symbolise liberation from ignorance.
The base: Shiva stands upon the dwarf demon Apasmara, also known as Muyalaka, who represents ego, forgetfulness and spiritual ignorance. Trampling the demon signifies the triumph of wisdom over illusion.
The prabha mandala: the figure is encircled by a ring of flames, representing the entire cosmos and the eternal energy of the divine dance.
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.
