Lot 71, Auction 3/19/2026: 18th C. Indian Bronze – Shiva w/ Parvati Holding Bowl

$3,250.00

In stock

South Asia, India, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A finely cast bronze sculpture depicting the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, an enduring symbol of cosmic unity and balance in Hindu art. Shiva, portrayed with a serene and benevolent expression, sits in a relaxed posture with Parvati gracefully poised upon his lap, their intimate composition expressing both affection and divine interdependence. Atop Shiva’s coiled hair, or jata, rests a small female head representing the river goddess Ganga, while a crescent moon crowns his matted locks. According to Hindu mythology, when the celestial Ganga descended from the heavens, her torrent threatened to shatter the Earth. To protect creation, Shiva caught her within his tangled hair, allowing her to flow gently to the mortal world. This mythic act symbolizes his mastery over destructive power and his role as the great transformer – channeling chaos into creation and fury into fertility. Both deities are adorned with elegant ornaments and finely contoured garments. Size: 3.5″ L x 6.1″ W x 7.4″ H (8.9 cm x 15.5 cm x 18.8 cm)

Parvati sits serenely upon Shiva’s lap, holding a small bowl delicately in her left hand – perhaps a vessel of sacred offerings or nectar – emphasizing her nurturing aspect and association with abundance and devotion. Shiva’s raised hand performs the abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and divine protection, completing the balanced dialogue between masculine and feminine energy.

Rich in symbolism and expressive grace, this bronze captures the spiritual essence of the divine union between Shiva, the cosmic ascetic, and Parvati, the embodiment of shakti – together representing the eternal balance between creation and destruction, discipline and compassion.

Condition: Missing attributes in two hands. Some chipping to base as well as nicks and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail.

Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA

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