19th Century Shiva as Lord of Dance Nataraja Bronze With Flaming Halo Hindu 13" For Sale

19th Century Shiva as Lord of Dance Nataraja Bronze With Flaming Halo Hindu 13"Original Antique19th Century or Earlier Shiva as Lord of Dance Nataraja Bronze With Flaming Halo Hindu 12 1/2 inches tallThis is a beautiful bronze sculpture of Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja), it depicts him withing a flaming halo, or ring of fire, and standing over Apasmara, the embodiment of ignorance. Please note that each flame is placed in a symmetrical way, each flame pointing toward the center. The hair is attached in the back with a hammered nail. This type of sculpture were made in small sizes, as they were meant to be carried. They were/are venerated and taken on processional parades as priests followed chanting prayers and bestowing blessings on people gathered for this purpose. Sometimes the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green clothes and gold jewelry to denote the glorious human form of the gods. In these processions The Shiva Nataraja may have had its legs wrapped with a white and red cloth, adorned with flowers, and surrounded by candles.
"Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot represents apasmara purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.The MET website,2024
"From the eleventh century and onwards, Hindu devotees carried these statues in processional parades as priests followed chanting prayers and bestowing blessings on people gathered for this purpose. Sometimes the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green clothes and gold jewelry to denote the glorious human form of the gods. In these processions The Shiva Nataraja may have had its legs wrapped with a white and red cloth, adorned with flowers, and surrounded by candles. In a religious Hindu context, the statue is the literal embodiment of the divine. When the worshiper comes before the statue and begins to pray, faith activates the divine energy inherent in the statue, and at that moment, Shiva is present". Smarthistory website, 2024
Measurements:12 1/2 x 11 x 3 1/2 inches
Weight: 5 lbs, 10 ounces
PRICE: $1,290.00 or Best Offer

Shipping:USPS Ground Shipping Cost in the US is $43.99. International Shipping or contact seller for additional international shipping rates. I can ship more than one item together and give you better rates, just contact me and I will respond. I usually answer questions very quickly (depending on time difference) Customs duty, VAT, or import duty is the responsibility of the buyer.

All items for sale are vintage or antique and it may show evidence of wear. Please see condition report and photos. I try to describe the items to the best of my ability. Please review the information, photos and/ or ask questions before offerding. All listings are described as to the best of my knowledge, through careful research and price and description comparison. 30 day returns, buyer pays return shipping.

Payment Terms:Payments are due within 48 hours of the end of the sale or listing.

Shipping: USPS Ground Shipping Cost in the US is $43.99. in the US. Shipment will be sent with tracking and careful, sturdy packing, recycled, when possible. We will ship your item as soon as possible. Shipping usually takes no more than two business days. If you have any questions please contact us before offerding. For international shipping, we use International shipping. If you need this shipped with particular requests, please contact me for international shipping rates before purchasing.

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