Unusual Bronze Shiva as Nataraja
Nepal, 18th-19th century
height: 23.3cm
Most representations of Shiva as Nataraja or Lord of Dance
have their origins in southern India. This example is from Nepal.
In this image, Shiva dances before a flaming detachable aureole
that is unusually rendered. He has been cast with no less than
fourteen arms. Each of the rear arms holds various symbols
associated with Shiva such as the trident, skull drum and so on.
A half-moon symbol is cast on Shiva's head. Muchalagan, the
demon of darkness and ignorance, lies crowned but defeated
beneath Shiva's right foot. He still manages to hold a sword aloft.
Shiva's face has been cast with typically Nepalese
characteristics and unlike southern Indian versions, this image
does not sport flying hair. Instead, Shiva's hair is gathered neatly
to the top of his head, which is surrounded by a disc.
The group sits on a semi-circular pedestal cast with a lotus petal
border.
Inventory no.: 455
Nepal, 18th-19th century
height: 23.3cm
Most representations of Shiva as Nataraja or Lord of Dance
have their origins in southern India. This example is from Nepal.
In this image, Shiva dances before a flaming detachable aureole
that is unusually rendered. He has been cast with no less than
fourteen arms. Each of the rear arms holds various symbols
associated with Shiva such as the trident, skull drum and so on.
A half-moon symbol is cast on Shiva's head. Muchalagan, the
demon of darkness and ignorance, lies crowned but defeated
beneath Shiva's right foot. He still manages to hold a sword aloft.
Shiva's face has been cast with typically Nepalese
characteristics and unlike southern Indian versions, this image
does not sport flying hair. Instead, Shiva's hair is gathered neatly
to the top of his head, which is surrounded by a disc.
The group sits on a semi-circular pedestal cast with a lotus petal
border.
Inventory no.: 455
