Very Fine, Later-Chola Bronze Image of Bhu Devi (Prithivi)

This very fine and delicate bronze image is of Bhu Devi (Prithivi), one of the two consorts of Vishnu. It dates to the later Chola period (12th-13th century.)

It is small but particularly finely cast and has all the details of much larger bronzes from the Chola period.

Chola nuances include a long face; a prominent, an almost aquiline nose; a particularly beautiful, fine waist; and a particular placing of the feet with one turned out to the side.

The image stands on a square platform. Bhu Devi is depicted nearly always without a horizontal kuchabandha or breast band, whereas Sri Devi, the other consort Vishnu, usually is shown with such a band.

Bhu Devi holds a lotus flower in the right hand. She has a striped dhoti, with ample waist bands, various jewellery items, and a tall, multi-tiered karandamukuta headdress.

The patina shows much age and surface degradation consistent with great age. The bronze is in fine condition and without loss or repairs.