Indian Statues

Our India collection gathers antique household statues and devotional figures that embody living faith and regional craftsmanship — from Deccan votive bronzes to rustic carved woods from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Made for home temples, courtyards and village shrines, these pieces were garlanded, anointed and handled daily. Cast in auspicious panchaloha (five-metal) bronze by cire perdue (lost-wax), carved in teak, jackwood or stone, and sometimes finished in natural pigments, they carry a quiet patina of use — a record of prayer more than time.

Shaivite Icons: Shiva, Lingams, Nandi & Nataraja

Household Shaivite worship appears here in intimate forms: river-worn lingam stones used for abhisheka (ritual bathing), expressive mukhalinga heads, and protective Nandi bulls. Central and southern examples often show softened edges from repeated anointing with water, oil and sandalwood paste. Rustic wooden Nandi and processional horses from Rajasthan and Gujarat retain traces of limewash or festival paint — tangible traces of devotion and festivity.

Among the most iconic forms is Shiva Nataraja — the cosmic dancer. In this image, Shiva encircled by a ring of flames symbolizes creation, preservation and destruction held in perfect rhythm. Although large temple bronzes of Nataraja are famous, smaller domestic versions were revered in homes for their balance of energy and serenity — the poised dance that unites movement and stillness, chaos and grace. Displayed today, a Nataraja figure adds both spiritual resonance and sculptural dynamism to interiors.

Ganesha: Votive Bronzes & Miniatures

Small votive Ganesha figures from the Deccan and Andhra traditions (18th–19th century) were kept on household altars or carried to annual rites. Many are swiftly, lovingly modelled: broad strokes of form, clear attributes, and a devotional sheen that comes from oil, vermilion and touch. Their directness is their charm — intimate companions of daily puja rather than formal temple icons.

Tribal & Folk Traditions

India’s village arts animate this collection: Khandoba riders from Maharashtra; Panjurli boars and Bhuta spirit figures of coastal Karnataka; dhokra (bell-metal) goddesses from Bastar; and carved Nandi bull toys from Andhra and the south. Made for protection, fertility or procession, these works blur sacred and domestic space — sculpture that carries the pulse of regional belief and festival life.

Materials & Techniques

Panchaloha alloys traditionally blend five auspicious metals (commonly copper, brass, lead, silver and gold), each casting unique because lost-wax creates a single original. Carved teak and jackwood show tool marks, rubbed colour and smoke toning from lamps. Stone pieces — from lingams to apsara carvings — often display the soft polish of ritual ablution. These are tactile clues collectors look for when assessing authenticity and use.

Dating, Use & Care

Genuine domestic icons tend to reveal: softened high points, residues of sandalwood or kumkum, natural uneven burnish and locally made bases. For display, set slightly above eye level and avoid floor placement. Dust with a soft brush; do not bright-polish. A breathable microcrystalline wax on bronze helps retain the devotional patina cherished by collectors and conservators alike.

Styling the Home Shrine

For interiors, think balance and texture. Pair bronze or stone with limewashed walls, reclaimed timber consoles and natural textiles. Compose a calm focal point with a triad — deity, attendant/vehicle and a small offering vessel — echoing traditional altar rhythm. Whether Shaivite, Ganesha-focused or folk-protective, these pieces bring heritage, serenity and sculptural presence to contemporary spaces.