Statue, Bala Krishna – Odisha - Inde (XVIIIe siècle) - 7 cm - Bronze






Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
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Bronze Bala Krishna statue from Odisha, India, dating to the 17th–18th century, with a height of 7 cm, width 4.5 cm and depth 8 cm, unsigned and in good condition, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire.
Description from the seller
Bala Krishna Statue
Eastern India, state of Odisha (Orissa)
18th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 7 cm x 4.5 cm x 8 cm
This copper alloy (bronze) statuette, cast in the lost-wax process, represents Bala Krishna, the divine child incarnation of Vishnu in his infant form. The young Krishna is depicted on all fours in a dynamic crawling pose, a scene of butter theft. The left knee rests on the ground while the right leg is folded. His right hand, raised forward with the palm curved in a cup, formerly held the sacred butter (makhan) he had stolen.
Originating from the Odisha region (formerly Orissa), this piece is characterized by soft, pure forms typical of the Northeast Indian style. A smooth skull, large pierced earlobes, and a face with elongated eyes and a serene smile attest to a vernacular aesthetic that is highly expressive and specific to this region. Full-bronze casting with a patina that is golden with wear, softened by ritual handling (puja), and attractive natural wear on the reliefs.
Condition: Excellent worn condition, antique patina preserved, slight traces of natural oxidation in the recesses.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Bala Krishna Statue
Eastern India, state of Odisha (Orissa)
18th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 7 cm x 4.5 cm x 8 cm
This copper alloy (bronze) statuette, cast in the lost-wax process, represents Bala Krishna, the divine child incarnation of Vishnu in his infant form. The young Krishna is depicted on all fours in a dynamic crawling pose, a scene of butter theft. The left knee rests on the ground while the right leg is folded. His right hand, raised forward with the palm curved in a cup, formerly held the sacred butter (makhan) he had stolen.
Originating from the Odisha region (formerly Orissa), this piece is characterized by soft, pure forms typical of the Northeast Indian style. A smooth skull, large pierced earlobes, and a face with elongated eyes and a serene smile attest to a vernacular aesthetic that is highly expressive and specific to this region. Full-bronze casting with a patina that is golden with wear, softened by ritual handling (puja), and attractive natural wear on the reliefs.
Condition: Excellent worn condition, antique patina preserved, slight traces of natural oxidation in the recesses.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
