Indian Rama Bronze

Large Bronze Figure of Rama

South India

19th century

height (without stand): 33.5cm

This large, solid cast 19th century bronze image of Rama shows the deity standing, with arms apart. An animal skin quiver rests above his right shoulder. He wears a tall conical crown, a long dhoti, heavy earrings, broad arm bands, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, waist bands and other elements suggestive of his princely status.

It is likely that his left hand once held a bow or an arrow.

The image has a milk-chocolate patina and softened contours from puja use. Overall, this is a finely rendered and good sized bronze with a pleasing fluidity of movement.

Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, is a relatively minor deity whose task was to kill a demon king who held his wife captive. But from this story, Rama has entered into the mainstream of Indian mythology and is a major figure in Indian epic poetry, particularly in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

The figure here is attached to an old oak stand that is almost certainly English, and dates to the earlier part of the 20th century.

References

Mitchell, A.G., Hindu Gods and Goddesses, UBSPD, 1982.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 3888

SOLD