428 - SEATED BRONZE PARVATI ON A LOTUS THRONE INDIA 18TH CENTURY

SEATED BRONZE PARVATI ON A LOTUS THRONE INDIA 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 10 cm Wide 7 cm Depth 7 cm Weight: 285 grams A finely cast bronze figure of Parvati seated gracefully upon a lotus throne, one leg pendant and the other bent upon the seat. Her right hand is raised in a gesture of discourse or reassurance while the left rests beside her. The goddess wears a tall tiered crown, earrings, necklaces and armlets, and the close-fitting lower garment is articulated by fine incised folds. Parvati embodies the benevolent and generative aspect of the divine feminine and, as the consort of Shiva, occupies a central position in Shaiva worship. Her relaxed pose and composed expression present her here in a peaceful rather than martial manifestation. The lotus throne and carefully arranged jewellery lend the small sculpture ceremonial dignity, while the warm bronze surface retains areas of darker patination in the recesses.