Shiva Nepal
Bronze Shiva
Nepal
18th century
height: 18.6cm, width: 14cm, weight: 1,393g
This elaborately-cast bronze Tantric image shows Shiva dancing (visvarupa) shows the god in all his forms, with the multiplication of arms and heads creating a particularly dynamic effect.
A stylised demonic face is cast into the belly of the Shiva. Each of his many arms holds a small, cast attribute. Each head is crowned and has a third eye. Several heads are visible from the back of the image and these face to the rear.
Shiva stands on a curved base onto which a small image of Garuda plus a devotee, and a rearing multiple-headed cobra are also cast. The very front of the base has been cast with a tortoise.
A complex, flaming (arch)
torana encases the scene, mirror by a smaller arch around Shiva’s heads. Three lugs are attached to the back of the main torana. Perhaps these were meant to hold feathers or similar to decorate the image.
Such images were cast by Newar metal casters. The Newar are the principle ethnic group in the Kathmandu Valley.
A dating of eighteenth century for this piece seems reasonable. A related wooden example published in Waldschmidt (1967, pl. 59) is ascribed to the seventeenth century.
The image is in fine condition. There are no repairs. It stands freely and without the aid of a support or base.
References
Waldschmidt, E & R.L., Nepal: Art Treasures from the Himalayas, Elek Books, 1967.
Provenance
private collection, UK art market
Inventory no.: 2466
SOLD
A 19th century photograph of Patan, Kathmandu Valley.
Much of the Newar metal casting work was done in the town of Patan.
A multi-armed image, probably of Shiva, carved in wood.
Photographed in Patan, August 2011.