Shiva - Antique Indonesian Style Bronze Javanese Seated Teaching Shiva Statue and Nandi - 21cm/8"

Measures (Height) 21cm/8"

A lovely, delicate Indonesian (Java) enthroned Shiva in 13th century Majapahit style. Shiva is seated on Nandi, his mount, who is resting upon a simple pedestal. Shiva's right foot rests on a lotus flower. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

Shiva is then enthroned on a delightful flaming rimmed throne. Acolytes stand either side of his throne in adoration pose.

Shiva is dressed in a richly decorated robe, with a sash tied around his waist and is wearing a number of pieces of ornate jewellery, including crown and earrings.

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.

He holds his hands in the wish-fulfilling mudra: his right hand facing down and the palm outward his left hand  held in a gesture of Teaching in the dharmachakra mudra. In sanskrit dharmachakra means the 'Wheel of Dharma'.  It therefore denotes the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma. In this mudra the thumb and index finger touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. This symbolises generosity.

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. Shiva is backed by an aureole with a flaming border. The presence of a flame rimmed aureole symbolises the divinity of the deity.

Provenance: Ex- private London collection. All items are guaranteed to be as described. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases upon request.

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