Central Asia, India, ca. early 20th century CE. A stunning cast bronze Shiva Nataraja, an iconographic type that reached its height of development in the Chola dynasty of southern India (ca. 860 to 1269) representing the Hindu deity regarded as both creator and destroyer of the universe, capturing that duality and cyclical view of time embraced by the Hindu religion. Size: 10.25" W x 11.365" H (26 cm x 28.9 cm)

A fine example that follows the iconography and stylings of hallmark Chola dynasty bronzes representing Shiva Nataraja. One such Chola dynasty Shiva in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is described by the curatorial team as follows, "The setting of Shiva's dance is the golden hall of Chidambaram, at the center of the universe, in the presence of all the gods. Through symbols and dance gestures, Shiva taught the illustrious gathering that he is Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. As he danced he held in his upper right hand the damaru, the hand drum from which issued the primordial vibrating sound of creation. With his lower right hand he made the gesture of abhaya, removing fear, protecting, and preserving. In his upper left hand he held agni, the consuming fire of dynamic destruction. With his right foot he trampled a dwarflike figure (apasmara purusha), the ignoble personification of illusion who leads humankind astray. In his dance of ecstasy Shiva raised his left leg, and, in a gesture known as the gaja hasta, pointed to his lifted leg to provide refuge for the troubled soul. He thus imparted the lesson that through belief in him, the soul can be transported from the bondage of illusion and ignorance to salvation and eternal serenity. Encircling Shiva is a flaming body halo (prabhamandala, or surrounding effulgence) that not only establishes the visual limits of this complex and dynamic composition but also symbolizes the boundaries of the cosmos." (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1987.80.1/)

Provenance: Ex-Hawkings collection, California

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#119112

Small loss to top section of drum (damaru) in upper right hand and flames of upper left hand. Nice patina.