South Asia, Nepal, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A lovely cast-brass statue of the Hindu goddess Durga with many arms, each holding an implement. She sits cross legged upon a pair of animals - one represents her vahana or lion mount, and the other is perhaps the bull version of the demon Mahishasura, a shapeshifting man/water buffalo. The figures are supported by an integral pedestal dais with openwork lotus petals and all are surrounded by a scalloped arch that is topped by an auspicious parasol. Her sixteen arms hold her sacred attributes which includes many weapons to demonstrate her fierce nature, whose power is to preserve the moral order and righteousness in creation, and her hands held in her lap and in front of her breast form the kartarimukha mudra gesture. This devotional piece may have been part of a household shrine or temple. Size: 3" L x 1.25" W x 4" H (7.6 cm x 3.2 cm x 10.2 cm)
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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#165022
Condition
Base of arch on left side is not attached to the pedestal. Top of arch is slightly bent. Losses to the lotus pedestal front rim. Softening to finer details and casting imperfections. Nice patina and toning throughout.