South Asia, India, ca. 1750 CE. An important solid cast bronze figure of Uma (Parvati), so significant as traditionally only deity statues destined for important religious purposes were cast solid. Parvati is traditionally understood as the consort of Shiva and is usually presented as a beautiful woman with no superfluous limbs, as we see in this example. At first Parvati, like most female deities (shakti), was viewed as a minor deity; however, between the 5th and 13th centuries, Parvati became a subject of worship in her own right rather than a mere consort to a male deity, with temples erected in her honor. It was at this time that Parvati became a major deity known as Durga and Kali. This sculpture depicts Uma in all her glory. Uma is presented in the three fold pose, with her right arm raised and hand posed, her left hand pendant. She is adorned with a palmette halo bracketed to the back of her head and a pointed crown. Her neck, shoulders, and waist are draped with necklaces and ribbons. Ornamental bands bedeck her arms, wrists, and ankles. She also dons a fanciful skirt. Parvati stands atop a hollow-cast double lotus, waisted pedestal. Gorgeous green patina and original bronze surfaces add to the sublime beauty of this piece! Size: 19-1/2" x 7-1/4" x 7-1/4" (49.5 x 18.4 x 18.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Northern Colorado collection, ex-David Wilcox Art Collection, Denver, CO; ex-Charles C. Dent estate, New York (1989), purportedly received as a gift from Mahatma Gandhi in 1946.

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#110394

Intact with minor surface wear and old casting flaws to base.