Ardhanarisvara 37

This graceful form of Shiva is infused with such artistic grace that it has come to represent all in Indian art, dance, and music. It possesses fluidity and flow of dance, purity of music and beauty of art. In this remarkably standardized form, the god is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that it is both cyclical and without end. This statue is 16 inches from base to top of the tallest flame and weighs 10 kg.  It is a classic example of the Chola Lost Wax Bronze casting process. The hundreds of hours of human energy in the form of wax molding, casting, rough/fine filing, and the final detail chiseling shine through in the completely unique face of this Siva Nataraja, truly one of a kind.  Nataraja’s right foot stands on Apasmara (ignorance personified).  - armed with dagger and a detailed tiny shield.  Shiva’s left foot is raised in dance movement.  A simple belt tied around his torso is shown flowing to his left and an erect Cobra sits on his right arm.  He holds Damaru (hourglass drum) in his upper right hand and Agnishikha (flame) in left. His lower right hand is gestured in Abhaya Mudra (assurance or granting fearlessness) and left hand dangles down, relaxed gracefully in Gajahasta Mudra. He wears his hair as a crown, studded with stork feathers. His free-flowing hairs bear Ganga depicted as a mermaid on the right side and a snake on the left.  The male and female earrings in his ears respectively symbolize Shiva’s completeness.  The sculpture rests on a double pedestal of lotus and square. The elegance of this one of a kind Lost Wax process bronze Nataraja will grace your studio, pooja room or any place of reverence you provide.