Fine, Bronze Figure of Krishna Dancing

This very fine cast bronze image of Krishna is particularly intricate and detailed.  The image stands with his left foot on a tiered lotus pedestal, his right foot is poised to dance and balanced on a lotus flower, his left arm is raised in gaja mudra, and his right hand holds a butterball – an allusion to another incident in his early life when he stole a butterball from his mother’s larder. All the while, Krishna maintains a serene, knowing, smiling expression.

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 earrings. Krishna wears a fine hair bun atop his head, and a girdle of finely cast bells.

This superbly cast piece has soft contours from time and puja use, and a chocolate-brown patina commensurate with its age. A small repair to a thumb has been done in what is likely high-carat gold. This seems to have been a meritorious act on the part of a devotee owner. Overall, this is a very tactile, expertly cast bronze of museum quality.