Bronze Offering Dish (Katora) with a Nandi Stand
India, 18th-19th century
height: 17.4cm; diameter of tray: 13.2cm
This offering dish, in the form of a taza mounted on the
back of nandi, the sacred bull that is the mount or
vahana of Shiva, would have been used to place
offerings (sweetmeats, flowers and so on) before images
of Shiva. Nandi sits on a platform raised on four legs.
The image is finely cast with excellent detail such as
cowbells, a ceremonial blanket and well-formed hooves.
Nandi images often are placed at the entrance of Shiva
temples. They have long been associated with fertility,
illustrated by the custom of worshippers touching such
image’s testicles as they file past as they enter the
temple, particularly if they wish to expand their family.
This image appears designed to promote fertility – it too
has prominent testicles beneath a swishing tail.
Inventory no.: 583
See items 233 and 476 for related pieces.
India, 18th-19th century
height: 17.4cm; diameter of tray: 13.2cm
This offering dish, in the form of a taza mounted on the
back of nandi, the sacred bull that is the mount or
vahana of Shiva, would have been used to place
offerings (sweetmeats, flowers and so on) before images
of Shiva. Nandi sits on a platform raised on four legs.
The image is finely cast with excellent detail such as
cowbells, a ceremonial blanket and well-formed hooves.
Nandi images often are placed at the entrance of Shiva
temples. They have long been associated with fertility,
illustrated by the custom of worshippers touching such
image’s testicles as they file past as they enter the
temple, particularly if they wish to expand their family.
This image appears designed to promote fertility – it too
has prominent testicles beneath a swishing tail.
Inventory no.: 583
See items 233 and 476 for related pieces.
