** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

South Asia, India, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A cast brass statue of Nandi, the vahana of the god Shiva, depicted here seated on a low ovoid pedestal. He is richly adorned with a yoke, necklaces, anklets, bridle, and cloth drapery and tassels-cast in both low relief and etched patterns. Prominent ritual icon in Hindu mythology, Nandi is also known as a gatekeeper of the temple of lord Shiva. In Sanskrit Nandi means a road blocker and is a prominent ritual icon in Hindu mythology and often positioned facing the main shrine. This is a lovely and detailed example with beautiful dark patina and toning throughout. In excellent condition with clear form and detail. Size: 8.3" L x 3.75" W x 6" H (21.1 cm x 9.5 cm x 15.2 cm)

Nandi is the son of Kasyapa and Surabhi according to the Vayu Purana. His role as Shiva's gatekeeper is described in the Saura Purana Nandi as, 'adorned with all ornaments, glowing like a thousand suns, holding a trident in his hand, three-eyed, adorned with a sliver of the moon, a thunderbolt in his hand, four-armed, like a second Sankara [Shiva].' It is common to see a statue of Nandi as a bull upon a plinth, similar to this example, before most Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva. Nandi traditionally sits in a columned pavilion called a nandi mandapa - positioned so that he may gaze at Shiva's linga within the main temple. It is popular practice for worshippers to dress the statue of Nandi with bells, clappers, as well as a necklace of flowers.

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169225

Minor abrasions to head, body, and base, with light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice dark patina and toning throughout.