Date: Circa late 19th to early 20th century
Geography: Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, South India
Dimensions: 19cm H x 15cm W x 12cm D
Weight: 1.854kg
Material: Solid bronze
Condition: Very good for its age, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This solid bronze statue of Nritya Ganapati, the Dancing Ganesh, was hand cast using the traditional lost-wax method in the Chola style of Swamimalai, the South Indian town renowned for its temple bronzes. Ganesh is shown mid-dance on a lotus base, a pose of balance, joy and cosmic harmony.
The symbolism of the figure
Every part of Ganesh carries meaning. His large head represents wisdom and expansive thought, his small eyes concentration, his large ears the importance of listening, and his small mouth the value of speaking less. His trunk, turned to the right, is associated with the sun and fiery energy, and holds a kalash (water pot) of nectar, symbolising purity and the source of life. His rounded belly represents the ability to accept all of life’s experiences, good and bad, with calm.
Standing on a lotus, Ganesh embodies being in the world but not of it: just as the lotus rises clean from the mud, the devotee can live among everyday stresses and desires without losing inner peace.
The four hands
Upper left: the pasha (noose), which draws the devotee towards spiritual truth and reins in the restless mind
Lower left: the modak (sweet dumpling), symbolising spiritual knowledge and the joy of self-realisation
Upper right: the parashu (axe), which cuts through ignorance and attachment
Lower right: the broken tusk, recalling the legend that Ganesh broke off his tusk to write down the Mahabharata, showing that knowledge matters more than physical perfection
As the Remover of Obstacles, the Dancing Ganesh represents divine joy and the rhythm of the universe, a powerful and uplifting presence for a home or shrine.
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.
www.naturallycrafted.co.uk/blog/lord-ganesha-the-elephant-headed-hindu-god
Date: Circa late 19th to early 20th century
Geography: Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, South India
Dimensions: 19cm H x 15cm W x 12cm D
Weight: 1.854kg
Material: Solid bronze
Condition: Very good for its age, see photos
Provenance: Formerly in the McAllister Collection (see below)
This solid bronze statue of Nritya Ganapati, the Dancing Ganesh, was hand cast using the traditional lost-wax method in the Chola style of Swamimalai, the South Indian town renowned for its temple bronzes. Ganesh is shown mid-dance on a lotus base, a pose of balance, joy and cosmic harmony.
The symbolism of the figure
Every part of Ganesh carries meaning. His large head represents wisdom and expansive thought, his small eyes concentration, his large ears the importance of listening, and his small mouth the value of speaking less. His trunk, turned to the right, is associated with the sun and fiery energy, and holds a kalash (water pot) of nectar, symbolising purity and the source of life. His rounded belly represents the ability to accept all of life’s experiences, good and bad, with calm.
Standing on a lotus, Ganesh embodies being in the world but not of it: just as the lotus rises clean from the mud, the devotee can live among everyday stresses and desires without losing inner peace.
The four hands
Upper left: the pasha (noose), which draws the devotee towards spiritual truth and reins in the restless mind
Lower left: the modak (sweet dumpling), symbolising spiritual knowledge and the joy of self-realisation
Upper right: the parashu (axe), which cuts through ignorance and attachment
Lower right: the broken tusk, recalling the legend that Ganesh broke off his tusk to write down the Mahabharata, showing that knowledge matters more than physical perfection
As the Remover of Obstacles, the Dancing Ganesh represents divine joy and the rhythm of the universe, a powerful and uplifting presence for a home or shrine.
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.
www.naturallycrafted.co.uk/blog/lord-ganesha-the-elephant-headed-hindu-god
