pujadevi, Nepal
Pujadevi
Nepal
18th-19th century
height: 12cm
This elegant and unusual bronze shows a pujadevi or female devotee in a half-seated, half-kneeling posture. She is plainly attired in a waist cloth engraved with floral motifs, and wears jewellery that includes hoop earrings, upper arm bands and a prominent pendant necklace. Her hair is pulled to the back of her head and tied in a loose, unadorned bun. There is a floral of feather decoration in her hair, and a clearly cast puja mark on her forehead.
Images such as this example might have been used in Hindu households and temples in Nepal to adorn shrines.
A related
pujadevi of similar size and form is in the collection of and currently on display in the Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale, Rome, Italy. It is ascribed to the 17th-18th century.
Inventory no.: 735
SOLD
Detail: Crucifix stamped to the side of the bowl.