South India, Karnataka or Maharashtra. Finely cast, the face with bulging, almond shaped eyes below arched eyebrows centered by a tear-shaped urna, a tall nose above a moustache, and flanked by pierced ears, surmounted by a crown with a lappet border, and framed by a ring punched beard.

Provenance: From an old Austrian private collection.
Condition: Good condition with old wear, small nicks, dents, scratches, losses, and casting flaws. Fine, naturally grown dark patina.

Weight: 1.2 kg
Dimensions: Height 19 cm

Large faces of male deities - either a deified hero (vira) or Khandoba, a form of the god Shiva - are made in the Kalara coastal region of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka. They are used to front or rest next to stone lingas particularly on festival occasions and may also have processional functions.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related brass shivalinga, India, Maharashtra, 17th century, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.84.228.4.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's London, 19 March 2013, lot 387
Price: GBP 4,375 or approx. EUR 7,900 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large brass head of a male deity, possibly Karnatka or Maharashtra, India, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related form and material. Note the size (28 cm) and slightly later dating.