Indian Bronze Narasimha

Bronze Image of Narasimha & Consort

South India, probably Tamil Nadu, India

circa 16th century

height: 17cm, width: 11cm, weight: 1,683g

This image shows Narasimha, the man-lion, with his consort. The image has been cast using the lost-wax process and has then been refined with chiselling and engraving.

Narasimha is shown seated and with four arms, and a dramatic face with bulging eyes, bulging cheeks and a gaping mouth.

The consort here is Lakshmi (also known as Sri Devi). She sits on Narasimha’s left knee. His lower left hand rests on her hip and her right hand is placed on the small of his back for balance.

Narasimha also holds a chakra wheel and a conch in his upper pair of arms; these being symbols of Vishnu. His front right hand is in vitarka mudhra. He is seated on a round throne comprising the coiled, scaly body of a naga, that is atop a two-tiered square dais that has been engraved with lotus petal motifs. The lower tier of the platform is a later addition – probably it is from the 19th century. It seems likely that the image was particularly valued and so was remounted on a new platform.

Both Narasimha and Lakshmi have elegant and detailed dhoti garments and jewellery, and tall, conical headdresses.

Narasimha is one of the eight avatars of Vishnu. The deity’s name derives from two words: ‘nara’ meaning ‘man’ and ‘simha’ meaning ‘lion’. Vishnu assumed the appearance of a half-man half-beast to overcome a demon king who could not be killed by either a man or a beast. The lion characteristics as manifested in the deity’s face are fierceness, bravery and independence. Representations of Narasimha often are found in stone relief in temples in Tamil Nadu, where this avatar of Vishnu is popularly portrayed.

The image has fine  puja wear, and a particularly rich, dark chocolate patina. The base has lugs into which an aureole or backing plate might have been supported but as is usual, this is no longer present.

References

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

Provenance: UK art market

Inventory no.: 2988

SOLD

Lakshmi-Narasimha bronze, South India, 15th-16th century.

Photographed Maratha Palace, Tanjore, South India, December 2014.