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 SOLD
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 SOLD
See items 233 and 476 for related pieces.
