A BRONZE FIGURE OF SHIVA NATARAJA, VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE, SOUTH INDIA, 1336-1646Heavily cast, shown dancing on a prostrate dwarf playing with a snake, his primary right hand in abhaya mudra, the other two hands raised holding a damaru and flame, dressed in a short dhoti. The body finely embellished with beaded necklaces, armbands, and circular earrings. The face with a subtle smile below almond shaped eyes, surmounted by a high, tapering headdress, backed by a floral halo.Provenance: German trade.Condition: Good conditionmensurate with age. Some wear, small nicks and dents, light scratches, casting flaws, obvious losses. Fine, naturally grown, dark patina.Weight: 1,417 g (excl. base), 1,930 g (incl. base)Dimensions: Height 21.2 cm (excl. base), 23.6 cm (incl. stand)With a modern metal stand. (2)This image of Shiva depicts him as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Shiva balances on the dwarf Apasmarapurusha, the demon of ignorance and indolence. His primary right hand is raised in the reassuring abhaya mudra, while his primary left hand should be in gajahasta, indicating the defeat of ignorance that hinders the realization of the universal truth. In his secondary right hand, he holds the damaru symbolizing the sound of creation - the Big Bang - whose cosmic vibrations perpetuate the universe. His other hand holds agni, the fire which signifies the final destruction out of which a new world will arise.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Sydney, 7 December 2022, lot 128Price: AUD 18,450 or approx.EUR 11,500 converted at the time of writingDescription: A bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja, Vijayanagar period, 16th centuryExpert remark: Note the smaller size (15.8 cm) and flaming halo.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 19 March 2013, lot 254Price: USD 27,500 or approx.EUR 33,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja, South India, Vijayanagara period, 16th centuryExpert remark: Note the larger size (28.5 cm) and flaming halo.