A fine bronze figure of Bhudevi or Parvati. Southern India, Tamil Nadu. Vijayanagara period, ca. 16th/17th century
Standing in tribhanga on a lotus on a rectangular base with four opening at the plinth, the right hand is raised and formerly held a lotus, the left hangs down in lolahasta. The figure wears a diaphanous dhoti with large floral patterns while her body is adorned by karandamukuta, ear hangings, necklaces, the auspicious thread (mangala-sutra), hip ornaments and armlets and anklets. At the back of the head siraschakra. Dark shiny patina.
Height 64.2 cm
The figure can be identified as Parvati, the consort of Shiva, or as Bhudevi, one of the consorts of Vishnu. In the triad called Vaishnava, Vishnu (Shrinivasa) stands at the centre with his consort Shridevi to his right and Bhudevi to his left. They were important components of temple imagery and objects of worship in South Indian temples. The four openings in the plinth served the poles by which the images were carried in processions on religious festivals. For that purpose the processional icons were dressed in cloth and garlanded.
Provenance
Georg L. Hartl Asiatica, Munich
Collection Dr. Jansen, acquired from Georg L. Hartl, Munich, possibly at the second Westdeutsche Kunstmesse in Cologne (invoice dated 13.3.1971 available)