A MONUMENTAL JAVANESE BRONZE FIGURE OF SHIVA
probably 9th-11th century Eastern period, finely cast modelled standing on a double lotus base, holding in his hands a Camara, a Kamandalu and an Aksamala, his fourth raised in Karana Mudra, elaborately dressed in a crown fitted with customary skull and crescent moon, a brahmin cord with a cobra head terminal over one shoulder, 80cm high
| Estimate: |
£20,000 - £40,000
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|
Hammer price:
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£22,000 |
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.
The exceptional quality of the detailing and the rare preservation of this impressive bronze suggest it was likely the primary deity in a temple of Java or
southern Sumatera.
Identifiable as Shiva given the fly whisk, sacred water pot, and rosary the figure holds, it can be directly compared to a similar in the National museum, Jakarta, number 6050, which is likewise adorned.
This bronze differs in small variations as it bears elements which have become assimilated from Buddha, such as three stripes on the neck and a raised
circle or urna where formerly a third eye has been. These suggest the slightly later influences of the Hindu regime which saw further syncretism between Shaivism and Buddhism.
Provenance: A private South Yorkshire collection.
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