South Indian Bronze Standing Balakrishna

This plump, good-sized, dynamic image of Krishna is particularly fine and three dimensional in its casting. It is a superior example from the period.

The image stands with the left foot on a tiered lotus pedestal, the right foot poised to dance and balanced on a lotus flower, the left arm is raised in gaja mudra, and the right hand holds a butterball (after having raided his mother’s larder, according to legend.)

The image’s body is plump and naked except for copious and elaborate finely cast jewellery which includes bracelets, armlets, anklets, a waist band, and unusual, spikey, bud-like earrings. Krishna also wears a girdle of finely cast bells.

The face has an aquiline nose and wide eyes. The hair is pulled up into a flat bun.

For a related example, see lot 73, Christie’s New York, ‘The Doris Wiener Collection’, March 20, 2012.

This dynamically cast piece has soft contours from time and puja use, and a deep chocolate-brown patina commensurate with its age. Overall, this is an excellent bronze.