A
splendid gilt bronze Shiva, distinguishing in traditional classic Ayutthaya style
dating back to the 15th-18th century Siam, well-cast and highly detailed with
raised ornamentation of floral and foliate forms, adornments of jeweled necklaces,
girdle and crown in traditional Ayutthaya royal attires, with flames rising beneath
his knees, the Creator/Destroyer is kneeling in adoration above a beautifully
sculpted bull, Nandi. Most of the allover gilding remains, lending luminosity
and opulence to the sacred countenance. Shiva holds in his ten extended arms the
attributes associated with his cosmic activities: the trident, hammer, sword,
knife, rope, arrow, and the snake Naga in his lower left hand. The Shiva statue
is remarkably spirited, it has a powerful radiance that will be the center of
focus in any environment.