19th Century Brass Metal Statue Chola Style Shiva in Veerabhadra From South India

Description

Dimensions: 11.0" W x 12.5" H x 7.0" D
This is a metal statue of Shiva in Veerabhadhra* form - … more Dimensions: 11.0" W x 12.5" H x 7.0" D
This is a metal statue of Shiva in Veerabhadhra* form - a ferocious warrior form of Shiva**

The carvings are highly detailed and enhance the beauty of this dynamic statue. Exquisitely detailed, this collectible depicts
- a seated Veerabhadra
- with his hands in a peaceful alert Mudra
- holding a dagger and a shield
- Veerabhadra is a form of Siva and that association is highlighted by the prominent third eye on his forehead
- With a tall crown, earrings, a long necklace, armlets, a waistband and anklets, his ornamentation is complete
- The moustache highlights the folk aspects of this statue
- his nipples, belly button and knees, disproportionately small size of his attributes and bulging eyes are worth noting
- His broad shoulders, coupled with a narrow waist, and dagger on the right side of his waist highlight the warrior aspects of Veerabhadra.

This is a single, hollow cast and given its height, it is very likely this was a processional bronze. This bronze is from North Deccan and may date to the late nineteenth century.

* Virabhadra symbolizes the sharp incisive power of discrimination, potent in each of us, to sever attachments to conceited values, misplaced faith and the routines that we all run through thoughtlessly. He points out to our adulation of that which should not be esteemed; and to our neglect of that which ought to be valued. Virabhadra’s message is to open our heart, to embrace everything that life has given us, without fear or prejudice. Virabhadra destroys in order to save.

A prized find, this old collectible is elaborately detailed.

** Virabhadra (Sanskrit: वीरभद्र, romanized: Vīrabhadra,) or  'auspicious hero is a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva less