Sculpture, Sthala-liṅga, testa votiva di Śiva sotto cappuccio di Nāga, Nāgapattā, India, XVIII – XIX secolo - 21 cm - Lost wax bronze casting

Sthala-liṅga (votive head of Śiva under the Nāga, Nāgapattā) on a double stepped quadrangular pedestal, Western India (Maharashtra or Karnataka), late 18th or early 19th century.

A solid anthropomorphized liṅga made using lost wax casting in high-zinc brass (pītala), with an unusually luminous alloy and considerable weight, composed of multiple elements: the votive head of Śiva with an engraved tiered turban and linear mustache, a wide basin with a long ritual spout for ablution, and the large serpentine hood with five heads serving as nāgapattā, all mounted on a two-tiered square base with steps that confer monumentality and stability to the entire piece.
The engravings, the simplified rendering of the eyes and headdress, and the geometry of the pedestal all refer to the Deccan workshop between Maharashtra and North Karnataka; the intended use is that of abhiṣeka, with liquids offered to Śiva flowing from the top of the liṅga towards the spout, unambiguously indicating the śivaīta destination. The gilded surface, consistent wear from handling, traces of ritual dust in the interstices, and the warm patina attest to long devotion in temple or domestic settings; the object, due to its mass and casting quality, has a decidedly 'material' and scenographic presence.
Very good condition with natural signs of use consistent with age.