Shiva Nataraja
Figure
19th century (made)
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A bronze figure of 4-armed Shiva Nataraja ('Lord of the Dance') dancing on the body of the demon Apasmara. This dance represents Shiva as the moving force of the universe and his five supernatural acts of creation, preservation, destruction, embodiment and release (of the souls of men from illusion). The last purpose might be linked to the idea that release can be found in the fire of the cremation ground, perhaps here symbolised by the ring of flames round the dancer.
He is chubbier than most Nataraja images. The arch is almost circular with a fringe of densely packed flames. The base has a deeply modelled lotus.
He is chubbier than most Nataraja images. The arch is almost circular with a fringe of densely packed flames. The base has a deeply modelled lotus.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Shiva Nataraja (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Cast bronze |
| Brief description | Bronze figure; Shiva Nataraja, South India, 19th century. |
| Physical description | A bronze figure of 4-armed Shiva Nataraja ('Lord of the Dance') dancing on the body of the demon Apasmara. This dance represents Shiva as the moving force of the universe and his five supernatural acts of creation, preservation, destruction, embodiment and release (of the souls of men from illusion). The last purpose might be linked to the idea that release can be found in the fire of the cremation ground, perhaps here symbolised by the ring of flames round the dancer. He is chubbier than most Nataraja images. The arch is almost circular with a fringe of densely packed flames. The base has a deeply modelled lotus. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Given by E.L.Cappel |
| Subject depicted | |
| Bibliographic reference | Mitchell, A.G. 'Hindu Gods and Goddesses.' London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982. Plate 35. ISBN 011290372X |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.71-1930 |
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| Record created | January 3, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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