**Originally Listed At $500**

Cambodia / Thailand, Khmer, ca. 10th to 13th century CE. An elegant cast bronze relief depiction of the Hindu deity Parvati - also known as Uma - dancing before a mandorla. Parvati is the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion in addition to divine strength and powerful might - as well as the wife of the god Shiva who is simultaneously understood as the destroyer, regenerator, and protector of the universe and all life forms. Parvati is regarded as the mother goddess of Hinduism, and together with Saraswati (goddess of learning and knowledge) and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) she is part of the Tridevi or trinity of goddesses. Here Parvati is represented as a beautiful goddess bedecked with jewels and donning an elaborate headdress. She holds a phytomorphic form in her left hand - perhaps a flower such as a lotus or a sugarcane stalk. Lucite stand. Size: 3.25" H (8.3 cm); 3.875" H (9.8 cm) on stand

The goddess Parvati, also known as Uma, daughter of the mountains, was the consort of Shiva. When she finally attracted Shiva, after a long and physically grueling courtship, she shared with her the secrets of the world, a conversation that would lead to the dispersal of this elite knowledge amongst the wise. Shiva’s exploits were represented on the relief carvings of Angkor Wat, the center of the Khmer dynasty and the largest religious monument in the world. Thus, Uma was a favored goddess of Khmer artists for her important stature in the Hindu hierarchy.

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121632

Overall excellent. Gorgeous green patina. Deposits on verso.