Karnataka (South India)
copper alloy
A beautifully caparisoned copper Nandi standing on a rectangular plinth. The Nandi wears an engraved saddle blanket which is surmounted by a bowl-like structure which would have held an incense burner or an oil reservoir. He is bridled and decorated with necklaces around his neck.
Nandi or nandin means rejoicing, gladdening. It is the name of Shiva’s conveyance (vahana) the white bull. Nandi was probably a folk deity later incorporated into the Brahmanic lore. Nandi symbolises on the one hand moral and religious duty (dharma), and on the other, virility, fertility and strength. Apart from being Shiva’s vehicle, nandi in his form as nandikeshvara, depicted as a human with a bulls head, is believed to be one of the great masters of music and dancing. In southern India his recumbent image is placed either opposite the main sanctuary or in the hall leading to it, facing the linga.
Size (cms): 10.8(H) x 11.5(W) x 4.7(D)
Size (inches): 4.5(H) x 4.5(W) x 2(D)
