**Originally Listed At $700**

India, ca. 19th century CE. A solid bronze figure depicting Krishna the "Butter Thief" as a youth holding a ball of butter that he stole from his stepmother, crawling upon his ornate bed (created as a separate but pendant piece). As mischievous children/babies, Krishna and his older brother Balarama stole jars of butter and yogurt from their families and neighbors. Cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, this beautiful bronze figure presents a dynamic pose and wonderful details delineated on his garment, coiffure, hair ornaments, and jewelry. The bed is attractively detailed with finialed posts and elaborate draperies replete with painstakingly delineated geometric and stylized lotus motifs as well as a large openwork lotus blossom and ridged trim. Behind the openwork blossom is an integral stand presumably for incense. A sweet Butter Thief Krisha - who frankly looks like he has been enjoying quite a bit of that butter! Size: 2.5" W x 3.75" H (6.4 cm x 9.5 cm)

Provenance: private San Diego, California, USA collection

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#126175

One finial to bed post missing and minor tarnish to bed. Krishna figure shows a couple of minor casting flaws, slight tarnish, and scuffs, but overall excellent.