A Rare Bronze Figure of Vishnu on a Naga

INDIA, KERALA, CIRCA 12TH CENTURY

Details

A Rare Bronze Figure of Vishnu on a Naga
India, Kerala, circa 12th Century
Heavily cast seated in rajalilasana on a coiled naga with his five cobra hoods forming an aureole; his four arms holding attributes
5¾ in. (14.5 cm.) high

Provenance

Collection of Prince and Princess Aschwin zur Lippe-Biesterfeld, acquired in 1967.

Sale room notice

Please note the correct estimate is $4000-6000.

Lot Essay

Compare with an Avatar of Vishnu seated on a naga from the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, in P. Pal, Indian Sculpture, vol. 2, 1988, p. 297, cat. 162. Vishnu is said to sleep on the serpent Shesha in the cosmic ocean, protected by its multi-headed hood.

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