Chola Style Brass Shiva Nataraja From South India

This large reproduction brass Chola style Shiva Nataraja was made in the late 20th century and is an unusually good example. Shiva, the Hindu god of creation & destruction is depicted as Nataraja (The Lord of the Dance), his most famous form. Shiva Nataraja is connected closely with Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu, South India and it is an iconic image known across the globe. He is also known as the cosmic dancer.

 The circular flames teach us that as one cycle ends, another begins with destruction comes creation. The famous French sculptor Rodin remarked that Shiva Nataraja has "what many people cannot see€”the unknown depths, the core of life. There is grace in elegance, but beyond grace, there is perfection"

Shiva can be seen standing atop the demon Apasmāra (or Muyalaka), the embodiment of ignorance, greed and possessiveness. Nataraja suppresses him without vanquishing him and thus destines him to a life of suppressed eternity.

 The original Chola period bronzes date to 907 - 1215 AD and were created using the lost wax technique using an alloy known as panchaloha (a mixture of five precious metals). Beeswax is mixed with a little oil and kneaded well to soften it. The figure is sculpted from this mixture with carved detailing. When the mould is entirely filled it is left to cool and then broken off exposing the cast bronze figure. The casting is then cleaned, finer details are carved, blemishes are removed and it is finally polished.

Dimensions:

98 x 34 x 120 (wxdxh cms)

Base Size 43w x 34d cms

Weight 56kgs

From India

UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
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