499 - RARE NANDI WITH KNEEILING GARUDA INDIA 16TH CENTURY

RARE NANDI WITH KNEEILING GARUDA INDIA 16TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 11,8 cm Wide 5,5 cm Depth 6 cm Weight: 347 grams An unusual Indian bronze group dominated by the richly caparisoned bull Nandi, shown standing squarely on a rectangular base. The animal's head is lifted and slightly turned, with large rounded horns, a prominent muzzle and necklaces or bells across the chest. Rising from the saddle-like structure on Nandi's back is a small kneeling figure depicting Garuda, hands joined before the chest while broad wing-like forms curve outward behind the shoulders. Nandi is Shiva's sacred bull and one of the most familiar attendants in Shaiva worship, usually represented facing the god within or before a temple. Garuda, by contrast, is primarily associated with Vishnu. The sculptor has made the contrast in scale work to great effect. Nandi is weighty, four-square and richly ornamented, while the small kneeling figure above is vertical and delicate. Warm brown patina, polished high points and darker recesses emphasise the different textures of animal hide, jewellery, feathers and garment, making the group unusually animated for its modest size.