1950s Indian Chola Style Bronze Ardhanarishvara Hindu God Shiva Vintage Large Heavy Metal Asian

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Bronze Shiva in Ardhanarisvara form

A Chola style bronze molded through the lost-wax method*, depicting one of the most revered … Read more Bronze Shiva in Ardhanarisvara form

A Chola style bronze molded through the lost-wax method*, depicting one of the most revered of all Hindu deities, Shiva in Ardhanarisvara form.

From Tamil Nadu, South India.
Approximate Dimensions: Height 12" x 4.5" x 4.5". Weighs 6 lbs

Shiva is depicted here as half male and half female to indicate the shakta-shakti relationship of the unified whole. The male half is unmoving but is given a manifest existence through the active female presence (prakrti). Ardhanarishvara images are quite literal in their illustration of this unity; the female part (the figure's proper left side) shows Parvati's elegant hairstyle, breast, broad hip, and long skirt, while the male half has Shiva's part mustache, matted hair, broad chest, slim hip, and third eye.

In lush detailing with rich ornamentation that integrates the fleshly figures, the countenance of Ardhanarisvara is lucid with fortitude.

Seen here standing on a lotus base over a plinth, holding a mace, dressed in a short close-fitting dhoti on the right and draped sari in folds on the left, secured with a sash tied on either side with engraved decoration, adorned with multiple necklaces, bracelets, and the sacred thread, the handsome and beautiful face flanked by long ears wearing large circular earrings on one side, arm bands and anklets and surmounted by a conical headdress.

In standing pose, the top right hand in kartarimukha mudra holding Shiva’s signature weapon or Khanda-parasu or axe, the lower right hand in Lola mudra hanging free the left arm in katakamukha mudra as if holding a lotus flower stem.

The solid bronze captures the duality of the universe in strength and dynamism in form and spirit, beautifully illustrates the benevolent divine grace in a timeless symbol.

Only one of these statues is ever made.

*Lost-wax Method or 'madhuchchhishtavidhana' or cire perdue is the method of pouring molten metal into the hollow of a mould. See less