Statue, Khandoba - 18th c. - Maharashtra - 13 cm - Bronze

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Surya Rutten
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Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.

Estimate  € 170 - € 200
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Bronze votive sculpture of Khandoba on horseback from 18th‑century Maharashtra, India, measuring 13 × 7.5 × 5 cm, in good condition with a non‑signed finish and two parts joined by a mortise and tenon.

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Description from the seller

Khandoba, regional manifestation of Shiva
Maharashtra, western India
18th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 13 × 7.5 × 5 cm

An interesting votive sculpture in bronze depicting Khandoba on horseback, a warrior and protective deity particularly venerated in Maharashtra, western India.

The deity is depicted seated on his mount, in a hieratic and majestic attitude. He wears a tall multi-tiered conical headdress, large ear ornaments, and a finely incised necklace. The face, with strongly stylized features, has large almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a solemn expression. The arms are extended, holding martial attributes, notably a long weapon and a shield, symbolizing his role as a protective and fighting divinity. The horse, treated in a popular, characteristic style, has an elongated head, pricked ears, a raised tail, and bridle decorated with incised motifs.

The whole rests on a multi-tier rectangular base adorned with geometric motifs and engraved lines. The bronze displays a beautiful old brown-gold patina, with natural wear revealing the warm color of the metal on the reliefs. The sculpture consists of two distinct parts, the rider and his mount, joined by a pegging system.

Khandoba, also known as Martanda Bhairava or Malhari, is a warrior manifestation of the god Shiva, particularly venerated in Maharashtra and some regions of Karnataka. A protective deity of rural communities, shepherds, and warriors, he holds an essential place in the popular religious traditions of western India. His main sanctuary is at Jejuri, in Maharashtra, an important pilgrimage center devoted to his cult.

Khandoba is traditionally depicted on horseback, armed with a sword and sometimes accompanied by his consort Mhalsa. His equestrian iconography symbolizes his warrior prowess, his ability to overcome demonic forces, and his role as a protector of the faithful. Small bronze sculptures of this type were intended for domestic devotion or local shrines, testifying to the vitality of regional religious traditions.

Condition:
Good overall condition, with signs of wear, rubbing, casting irregularities, and an uneven ancient patina. The rider is removable and attaches to the horse by pegging, in keeping with the sculpture’s design.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insurance

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Khandoba, regional manifestation of Shiva
Maharashtra, western India
18th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 13 × 7.5 × 5 cm

An interesting votive sculpture in bronze depicting Khandoba on horseback, a warrior and protective deity particularly venerated in Maharashtra, western India.

The deity is depicted seated on his mount, in a hieratic and majestic attitude. He wears a tall multi-tiered conical headdress, large ear ornaments, and a finely incised necklace. The face, with strongly stylized features, has large almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a solemn expression. The arms are extended, holding martial attributes, notably a long weapon and a shield, symbolizing his role as a protective and fighting divinity. The horse, treated in a popular, characteristic style, has an elongated head, pricked ears, a raised tail, and bridle decorated with incised motifs.

The whole rests on a multi-tier rectangular base adorned with geometric motifs and engraved lines. The bronze displays a beautiful old brown-gold patina, with natural wear revealing the warm color of the metal on the reliefs. The sculpture consists of two distinct parts, the rider and his mount, joined by a pegging system.

Khandoba, also known as Martanda Bhairava or Malhari, is a warrior manifestation of the god Shiva, particularly venerated in Maharashtra and some regions of Karnataka. A protective deity of rural communities, shepherds, and warriors, he holds an essential place in the popular religious traditions of western India. His main sanctuary is at Jejuri, in Maharashtra, an important pilgrimage center devoted to his cult.

Khandoba is traditionally depicted on horseback, armed with a sword and sometimes accompanied by his consort Mhalsa. His equestrian iconography symbolizes his warrior prowess, his ability to overcome demonic forces, and his role as a protector of the faithful. Small bronze sculptures of this type were intended for domestic devotion or local shrines, testifying to the vitality of regional religious traditions.

Condition:
Good overall condition, with signs of wear, rubbing, casting irregularities, and an uneven ancient patina. The rider is removable and attaches to the horse by pegging, in keeping with the sculpture’s design.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insurance

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
India
Material
Bronze
Title of artwork
Khandoba - 18th c. - Maharashtra
Dynastic style/period
18th century.
Signature
Not signed
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Good condition
Sold with stand
No
Height
13 cm
Width
7.5 cm
Depth
5 cm
PortugalVerified
217
Objects sold
100%
protop

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