Shiva Statue - Antique Indian Style Bronze Dancing Shiva statue as Lord Nataraja - 42cm(17") Tall

Shiva Statue - Antique Indian Style Bronze Dancing Shiva statue as Lord Nataraja - 42cm(17") Tall

Measures (Height) 42cm/17"

An antique Indian style dancing Shiva, as Lord Nataraja, in 10th century Chola style.

Here Shiva is depicted as the divine dancer and Lord of the dramatic arts. With perfect balance and proportions the sculpture depicts Shiva as Lord Nataraja, in traditional pose.

In India the art of dance is not only regarded as a form of Yoga but is associated with the very act of creation. As Lord of Yoga, Shiva is also the source of the cosmic dance that created the universe in endless rhythmic cycles.

The Tamil sculptors of the Chola dynasty (mid-ninth to early fourteenth centuries) realized Shiva the Dancer in his most complete and graphic form (Nataraja), one which has become symbolic of Indian civilization.

Shiva its shown dancing in Natya Shastra pose, holding Agni (fire) in his left back hand. The front hand in Dharmachakra or Teaching mudra.

In his upper right hand Shiva holds the Drum representing the primordial sound at the creation of the universe; the second right hand makes a gesture of reassurance. His upper left hand holds Agni. the flame of destruction. The lower one points to his left foot, refuge of the soul, and shows the path of salvation through Shiva's trampling of the demon that personifies ignorance.

His body, fingers, ankles, neck, face, head, ear lobes and dress are decorated and bejewelled. Shiva's body seems to rise and expand with his aureole. The force of his broad shoulders and proud countenance are echoed by the rhythmic explosion of his locks. His wavy hair reflecting the Ganges and representing the God's intimate connections with water, the force of life.

Perfectly poised, this work manifests Shiva's divine unity with compelling grace and majesty.

Shiva is backed by an aureole with a beaded border and flaming rim, topped by a decorative finial, symbolising his divinity. The aureole of flame that rises from a lotus pedestal is a symbol of primordial being and creation. The arched aureole and its multi-tongued flames represent the universe and its ultimate destruction by fire.

Shiva is standing upon a rectangular double lotus pedestal, lifting his left leg and trampling upon a demon (Apasmara or Muyalaka) who symbolizes ignorance.

The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

The dynamism of the energetic dancing of Shiva, is offered in classic Majapahit stye. Shiva is dressed in a simple robe, with a sash tied around his waist and is wearing a number of pieces of ornate jewellery, including crown and earrings.

His hair is piled in a tripartite chignon decorated with a cockade and is discretely adorned with only a necklace, diamond shaped earrings, a Yajnopavita (Scared Brahmanical thread) and a single bangle on each wrist.

As the destroyer, Shiva is regarded as limitless, transcendent and unchanging. Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts. Shiva is part of the Hindu holy trimurti which includes Brahma and Vishnu.

The Trilochana of Shiva can be seen on his forehead - the Three-Eyed Lord. It is the eye of wisdom, free from 'Maya', the illusion, and duality of life. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy.

This traditional in appearance sculpture is sure to add a unique touch to your home, work or sacred space. 

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