An impressive copper alloy lost-wax casting depicting the deity in his version of Lord and creator of music, since the two main hands were originally intended to hold the vina, the traditional musical instrument. Orthodox iconography would include the presence of two additional arms and hands, holding the antelope (mrga) and the axe (parasu) respectively. Vinadhara is one of the four manifestations of Shiva Dakshinamurti, the supreme teacher of knowledge, understanding and the ultimate awareness. Shiva is here depicted in tribhanga posture on a double lotus flower round base. His legs covered by a long, thin veshti secured at the waist by an elaborate jewelled belt; his neck adorned with a collar and beaded necklaces; his hair gathered in a high jatamukuta with a crescent moon in the centre and his arms adorned with stylised acanthus leaf arm bands. Details such as this, along with the presence of the dramatic rosette at the rear of the neck, place the sculpture in the groove of the glorious Chola iconographic tradition. During the Chola dynasty, images such as this one were widespread as music was considered a means for the worshipper to reach a high state of communion with the deity, thus a way to pay homage and gaining his benevolence. For this reason, rituals included dances, songs, poems and music. The unusual massive size of this lost-wax casting (Madhuchehishthavidhanam) emphasises the skill of the foundryman who was able to maintain a full core while also avoiding major casting defects.Provenance: Italian private collection. According to the owner the sculpture was acquired by his family in London in the 1930s.

100 x 56 cm

67 kg