Shiva Nataraja

Polychrome painting on glass depicting Shiva dancing, as Siva Nataraja, the Lord of Dance and Destruction. In his upper right hand is an hourglass-shaped drum. The second right hand is in abhaya mudra. He is wearing a tiger skin. His left leg is raised, while below his right foot is the demon Apasmara lying on a serpent; to the right is a crowned female figure, presumbaly Parvati, with another figure to the right. Gold detailing. In a wooden frame. Metal fittings and suspension cord.

This type of painting was popular among the middle classes who would buy them when on a pilgrimage and take home to hang in the home.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
3.11.55/4
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 290 mm x 245 mm x 29 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
glass; pigment; wood; metal
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

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