Durga Mahishasura - Bronze - India - 18th-19th century






Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
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Description from the seller
Durga subduing Mahishasura
India, 18th–19th century
Lost-wax bronze casting
14 cm x 10 cm x 6 cm
Small bronze sculpture depicting the goddess Durga at the moment of her battle with the demon-buffalo Mahishasura, a major episode in Hinduism related notably in the Devi Mahatmya. The goddess is depicted with several arms bearing her divine attributes, in an energetic posture, as she decapitates and overpowers the demon emerging from his buffalo form, symbolizing the victory of good over the forces of chaos and ignorance.
Durga is crowned with a tall conical mukuta and dressed in a short dhoti finely worked. The volumes are sober yet expressive, with a serene face contrasting with the dynamism of the scene. The composition, compact and balanced, is characteristic of votive small statuary intended for domestic worship.
Made using the traditional lost-wax technique, the work shows traces of devotional use as well as slight casting irregularities, bearing witness to its age and authenticity.
Condition: slight casting irregularities, small losses and wear from handling. Overall good condition. The trishula on its extended right hand is probably missing, as well as the prabhavali at the rear of the statue.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with a certificate of authenticity
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Durga subduing Mahishasura
India, 18th–19th century
Lost-wax bronze casting
14 cm x 10 cm x 6 cm
Small bronze sculpture depicting the goddess Durga at the moment of her battle with the demon-buffalo Mahishasura, a major episode in Hinduism related notably in the Devi Mahatmya. The goddess is depicted with several arms bearing her divine attributes, in an energetic posture, as she decapitates and overpowers the demon emerging from his buffalo form, symbolizing the victory of good over the forces of chaos and ignorance.
Durga is crowned with a tall conical mukuta and dressed in a short dhoti finely worked. The volumes are sober yet expressive, with a serene face contrasting with the dynamism of the scene. The composition, compact and balanced, is characteristic of votive small statuary intended for domestic worship.
Made using the traditional lost-wax technique, the work shows traces of devotional use as well as slight casting irregularities, bearing witness to its age and authenticity.
Condition: slight casting irregularities, small losses and wear from handling. Overall good condition. The trishula on its extended right hand is probably missing, as well as the prabhavali at the rear of the statue.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with a certificate of authenticity
Shipped with UPS and insured
