SOUTH INDIA, TAMILNADU, PALLAVA DYNASTY, 7TH/8TH CENTURY

Some of the finest small and medium sized bronzes in South India were created at the time of the Pallavas. This bronze image represents the principal iconic type from the early part of the Pallava period, examples of which are extremely rare and generally of small size, with the present example being among the largest in existence. The facial features are well-worn from worship, revealing a smooth, warm brown patina. A characteristic feature for this period is the way the sacred thread loops around the right arm amidst an elaborate array of sashes, belts, armbands, bracelets and necklaces; compare with two smaller examples at the National Museum New Delhi, see S.P. Gupta, Masterpieces from the National Museum Collection, 1985, cat. no. 64; and at the Government Museum Madras, see C. Sivaramamurti, South Indian Bronzes, 1963, pl. A, p. 53.