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Antique Southeast Asian
Carving
Shiva On
Lotus Pedestal Signature: unsigned. Circa:
early 1900S' h.
5.25 in.(13.3cm.), w. 1.5 in.(3.9cm.), d. 1.5in.(3.9cm.)
Condition: Hairlines, o.a. very good A
well carved antique Shiva, depicting the deity with four arms, two at the front
demonstrating his power in the material world, two at the back representing his
invisible powers which dwell in the unconscious realm. Both highly polished and
matte surfaces are present, with a small area of porosity at the center front
of the carving revealing the bone structure. Shiva is clad in a tiger skin dhoti,
decked with jewels and ornaments, and wears a high crown topped with the flame
of omniscience, the crown shape with winged sides suggesting a Burmese origin.
The god is seated among ocean waves replete with curling spirals both clockwise
and counterclockwise, symbolizing the two directions of creation and dissolution
over which he presides. He holds the bell, for wisdom, in his left hand while
in his right hand he has the flame representing his power of creation. His long
hair both rises and falls at the back, his feet emerge through foaming waves rising
from a lotus throne.
Private Collection
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