Antique Brass Nandi, India (9509B)

Description

Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or on a home altar throughout India.  As one of Hinduism’s mythical animals, Nandi is Shiva’s vahana, (his mount that transports him), attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals.

A recumbent image of Nandi on a high pedestal throne with his face pointing to the main shrine usually guards the entrance to Shiva-dedicated temples. Nandi is a votive deity (murti) to help devotees focus, especially during puja, and small metalwork images are often placed along with images of other deities on a home altar. Women often visit or pay homage Nandi images and offer flowers and prayers for fertility.

Using the lost-wax technique, this brass nandi figurine on a high pedestal is delicately incised with decorative detailed adornments on his head and neck and has a beautiful patina from its long use during daily in Hindu puja. It is  in very good condition with casting and plating flaws and a surface scratch from age and use.

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