A GILT REPOUSSÉ BRONZE RELIEF DEPICTING CHANDI, DATED 1892

A GILT REPOUSSÉ BRONZE RELIEF DEPICTING CHANDI, DATED 1892 Nepal. Finely cast, the four-armed wrathful goddess standing in alidabhanga on a lotus pedestal, her right foot resting atop her lion mount, her principle hands holding a kapala and gesturing in karana mudra, her secondary hands holding a large sword and shield. Wearing a garland of skulls and a diaphanous dhoti, her wide eyes centered by a large urna, her hair secured by a large skull crown. The Hindu goddess enveloped in a flaming aureole. Inscriptions: The back with a lengthy dedicatory inscription written in Nepali, and dated ‘Vikram Samvat 949’ (corresponding to 1892). Provenance: Viennese private collection. Condition: Good condition with wear, casting flaws, rubbing, abrasions to gilding, small nicks, and minor losses. Weight: 1,373 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 27.6 cm (incl. stand), 24.3 cm (excl. stand) Mounted on a metal stand. Chandi is a Hindu goddess and is an avatar of Durga, who slayed the demon Mahishasura. She has been affiliated with and also considered as Katyayini, Kaushiki or Ambika who killed Shumbha, Nishumbha and their fellow demons. Chandi is one of the most popular folk deities, and a number of poems and literary compositions called Chandi Mangala Kavyas were written regarding the goddess from the 13th century to the early 19th century. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams Paris, 10 June 2021, lot 15 Price: EUR 4,080 or approx. EUR 4,600 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt copper alloy repoussé plaque of Durga Mahishasuramardini, Nepal, 17th/18th century Expert remark: Compare the related style and form depicting the goddess Durga of whom Chandi is a manifestation. Note the size (33 cm).