{"product_id":"chola-style-shiva-nataraja-from-south-india","title":"Chola Style Shiva Nataraja From South India","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis large late 20th-century bronze reproduction depicts \u003cstrong\u003eShiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most celebrated images in Hindu art. Made in South India in the style of the great Chola bronzes, it is an unusually detailed and well-cast example, with an attractive aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShiva dances within a ring of flames, symbolising the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. Beneath his feet lies \u003cstrong\u003eApasmara\u003c\/strong\u003e, the dwarf-like figure who represents ignorance and spiritual forgetfulness. Shiva's dance over Apasmara represents the overcoming of ignorance and the path towards spiritual knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nataraja form is particularly associated with the \u003cstrong\u003eChidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu\u003c\/strong\u003e, where Shiva is worshipped as the cosmic dancer. The flowing hair, multiple arms, rhythmic pose and surrounding flames combine movement with remarkable balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture follows the tradition established during the \u003cstrong\u003eChola period (c. 9th–13th centuries)\u003c\/strong\u003e, when South Indian bronze casting reached an exceptional level of refinement. Chola bronzes were traditionally produced using the lost-wax casting process, in which a detailed wax model was encased in a mould, the wax melted away and molten metal poured into the resulting cavity. As the mould was broken to release the finished casting, each sculpture was individually produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 20th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shiva as Nataraja; ring of flames; Apasmara beneath Shiva's feet; Chola-style detailing; lost-wax style casting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good vintage condition with natural surface wear and patination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W70 × D27 × H91 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 27.6 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58462276977023,"sku":"M1151","price":860.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Chola_Style_Shiva_Nataraja_From_South_India_M1151.jpg?v=1789745190","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/chola-style-shiva-nataraja-from-south-india","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}