Sculpture, Four-Armed Vishnu – 18th–19th Century - 10 cm - Bronze

Four-Armed Vishnu – 18th–19th Century

Description

A South Indian cast-bronze figure of Vishnu, standing frontally upon a circular lotus pedestal above a substantial stepped square base. The deity wears a tall kirita-mukuta crown, large earrings, necklaces and a finely patterned dhoti. A prominent vertical Vaishnava tilak appears on the forehead.

Vishnu is represented with four arms. The surviving upper hand carries the conch shell or shankha, while a lower hand is extended in a gesture of generosity and reassurance. The opposite upper hand would originally have displayed the chakra or discus, now largely lost. The remaining lower hand is held beside the body.

The figure was produced by traditional lost-wax casting, with the hollow underside retaining casting material. The surface has an attractive dark brown patina with green oxidation, mineral accretions, softened high points and scattered remnants of ritual colouring or gilding.

Probably South India, 18th–19th century.

Condition: extensive age-related wear, oxidation and deposits. The chakra and part of its supporting hand lost to time, with additional small losses and casting irregularities. Surface abrasions and wear to the pedestal consistent with considerable age and ritual handling. No obvious recent restoration visible.

Conditions of Sale

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1. Shipment, Delivery & Risk

Delivery obligations are fulfilled upon transfer of the lot to a professional carrier for shipment to the address provided through the Catawiki platform. Official carrier tracking records, including delivery confirmation, delivery attempts, customs notifications, and status updates, constitute conclusive evidence of shipment and delivery progress. Risk transfers to the buyer upon dispatch. Claims of non-receipt that contradict carrier tracking confirmation will not invalidate the transaction.

2. Customs, Refusal & Contract Termination

All import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, brokerage charges, and related governmental assessments are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Refusal to accept delivery for any reason — including refusal to pay customs duties or import charges — constitutes:

• Voluntary refusal of performance
• Material breach of contract
• Immediate termination of the sale in favor of the seller

In such cases, the seller reserves the right to:

• Request full payment release from Catawiki
• Recover all return shipping fees, storage fees, administrative charges, carrier penalties, and related costs
• Apply a reasonable restocking fee where permitted
• Decline any obligation to reship the lot

Returned parcels caused by refusal, non-payment of customs, failure to collect, or incorrect address remain entirely at the buyer’s risk and expense.

3. Condition & Description

All lots are sold “as is” and “as photographed.”

Photographs form part of the description and accurately represent visible condition at the time of listing.

Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, glaze variation, craquelure, firing marks, surface irregularities, minor losses, restorations, manufacturing variations, and material inconsistencies are inherent characteristics of antique, vintage, and collectible objects across all categories and do not constitute defects. The absence of reference to condition issues does not imply perfect condition. No warranty is made that any lot is free from restoration, repair, alteration, or replacement unless expressly stated in writing.

4. Attribution & Opinion

Any statement regarding age, origin, period, maker, material, cultural attribution, or historical context reflects informed opinion based on experience and research. Such statements are not guarantees or warranties. Differences in scholarly opinion, stylistic interpretation, market reassessment, or third-party evaluation do not constitute grounds for cancellation, dispute, or refund.

5. We pride ourselves on taking the time to pack well, however that does not reduce the risk of damage or breakage to absolute zero. Bidding is with this concept in mind.

By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full acceptance of these Conditions of Sale.