Exceptionally Finely Cast Bronze Standing Krishna Figure (Venugopala)

This superb bronze is one of the most finely cast, smaller bronzes that we have seen, though at 16 centimetres in height, it is not particularly small. The detailing and the quality of the casting is simply exquisite.

It shows Krishna standing and playing his flute (the flute is now missing as is typical) and is a form known as Krishna’s Venugopala form.

The image has two pairs of arms, and the right leg is on its toes in front of the left. The two hands in front would have held the flute. The two at the rear hold a conch and a cakra wheel, these being among Krishna’s identifying attributes.

Krishna is shown in an elegant, relatively slender form, with a tall, conical headdress and ample, particularly fine jewellery including anklets, bracelets, necklaces, rings and so on.

The image stands on a rounded dais etched with lotus petals on a square base.

The image has a deep, dark patina, and little wear. It is intricately cast with enormous complexity and attention paid to detail.

The image was acquired in England and almost certainly has been in the UK since colonial times.