Antique Bejeweled Brass Nandi Incense Holder, India (9509A)

Description

Most of the major Hindu deities have a Vahana (vehicle) representing the significant aspect or characteristic of the God with which they are associated. As the vehicle of Shiva, Nandi embodies the permanent inner strength that can be acquired by controlling physical strength and violence and implies Shiva’s power as a procreator. Only those who have conquered desire and achieved self-knowledge can ride the white bull like Shiva himself. Nandi is also Shiva’s attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. A recumbent Nandi on a high pedestal throne with his face pointing to the main shrine traditionally guards entrances to Shiva-dedicated temples. Nandi is a votive deity (murti) to help devotees focus, especially during puja, and small bronze/brass images like this are often placed with deity images home altars.

This antique recumbent long horned Nandi gracefully seated on a high pedestal throne, his head and body enhanced with jeweled decorations has an attached incense holder with a handle for easy transport. This finely crafted lost wax miniature statue is a one of a kind and was probably placed on a home shrine along with other deities and items of significance to the family. Nandi mages are often decorated with flower offerings as a sign of respect.

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