A BRONZE HEAD OF SHIVA, KARNATAKA, BHUTA CULTURE, 18TH-19TH CENTURY Southern India. Cast as the head of Shiva, the round face with bulging eyes, arched eyebrows centered by the third eye, with a parted grin revealing a set of square teeth and fangs, and a mustache below the straight nose.

Provenance: From the collection of Peter Cochrane, acquired in 1978, and thence by descent within the same family. Old label to the back. John Peter Cochrane (1913-2004) was a noted English art dealer. At Arthur Tooth & Sons in Mayfair, he started his five-decade career in bringing new European and American art to London just after the war. Later he pursued his increasing personal interests as a collector. Serving as a respected consultant for Christie's London, he always refused a salary, declaring "they can't fire me because they don't pay me".
Condition: Overall commensurate with age showing extensive old wear, losses, small nicks, and shallow surface scratches. Minor casting flaws. Naturally grown patina.

Weight: 1,424 g
Dimensions: Height 18 cm

Expert's note: The present lot is likely a fragment of a pole finial, mask or similar fitting, as indicated by the large opening at the back. The distinct form of the open mouth also suggests that it once may have been used as a jingle bell.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related bronze palki finial of Yali, with similar open mouth and curled fangs as seen on the present lot, in the collection of the Heritage Transport Museum, Gurgaon, India. These finials often depicted birds, flowers and animals as well as figures from mythology and folklore.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams New York, 18 March 2013, lot 52
Price: USD 8,750 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A brass mask of shiva, South India, Karnataka, Bhuta culture, early 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related face at the center of the mask with its open mouth and fangs. Note the size overall (40.5 cm).