South Indian Bronze Image, probably of Shiva Vinadhara-Dakshinamurti

This pleasing and well-proportioned image, most probably of Shiva Vinadhara-Dakshinamurti, shows the deity seated in lalitsana on a fine, lotus throne on raised plinth, with his hands in varada and bhumisparsa mudra.

The deity wears a tall headdress with lotus bud finial. His long hair falls down across his shoulders. He wears ample jewellery and a striped dhoti.

Shiva Vinadhara-Dakshinamurti is one of four types of Dakshinamurtis, or supreme teachers of knowledge, ultimate awareness and understanding. The term ‘Dakshinamurti’ translates as ‘one who faces south’, the direction associated with transformation and renewal.

The image here has a wonderful warm, chocolatey patina.