.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This fine bronze is casted under the Chola Dynasty who ruled South India from A.D. 880 until A.D. 1279. Its inhabitants were primarily followers of the Saiva branch of Hinduism and worshipped the main god Siva and his many 'family' members. The bronze under review might represent Parvati, the consort of Siva. However, as she is not anylonger with the accompanying deities together it is impossible to be sure about her exact name. Neither has the bronze an inscription giving her name. Therefore one can only refer to her as Devi which is the general name for a goddess.
From the tenth century onwards bhakti or total devotion to a god or goddess found its way to the various sects of Hinduism. For their devotion followers needed images to worship and the gift of such an image was and still is considered auspicious. Larger bronzes, like the one under discussion, were placed in temples rather than in private shrines. Their followers used these sculptures during ritual bathing and processions.
The present bronze is a very good example of a late twelfth or early thirteenth century bronze with her slim, tall and well proportioned body. Even the ornamental details are delicately rendered, emphasizing her divine aspect.
From the tenth century onwards bhakti or total devotion to a god or goddess found its way to the various sects of Hinduism. For their devotion followers needed images to worship and the gift of such an image was and still is considered auspicious. Larger bronzes, like the one under discussion, were placed in temples rather than in private shrines. Their followers used these sculptures during ritual bathing and processions.
The present bronze is a very good example of a late twelfth or early thirteenth century bronze with her slim, tall and well proportioned body. Even the ornamental details are delicately rendered, emphasizing her divine aspect.