Indian Bronze Deity, Probably Parvati (Uma)

This fine image of a goddess, probably Parvati (as she tends to be known in northern India) or Uma (as she tends to be known in South India), shows the deity seated cross-legged on an oval cushion that rests on a rectangular, tiered platform. The deity has four arms, the upper two which hold attributes. She wears a striped dhoti, has prominent breasts, and wears a tall crown. The back has a slight arch giving the figure a feeling of dynamism and fluidity.

The platform has two pairs of holes front and back to allow it to be secured to a larger platform.

The bronze is well cast and very three-dimensional. Other details have been carefully engraved on.

A hymn attributed to the Tamil saint Sambandar describes Uma thus (Guy et al, 2007, p. 80):

Fresh as newborn lotus buds

Lustrous as kongu blossoms honeyed like young coconuts

Golden kalashas filled with the nectar of the gods

Are the breasts of the resplendent Uma.

The bronze here has a lovely, rich, chocolate-brown patina. The surface has depth and wear due to puja (prayer) handling.