Karnataka
Wood, extensively polychromed
An impressive, large Tiger Vahana with a lovely patina and extensive original polychroming. The tiger has wide bulging eyes and an open mouth with large exposed teeth and a long protruding tongue. The muscular torso is painted a flowing mane and floral patterns. His fore legs are raised, as if to pounce.
The tiger is the vehicle of, and sacred to, the Hindu goddess, Durga. From a certain perspective she is India’s Mother Nature, for she is the deification of Energy. Her consort, Shiva, sometimes evoked as Shambo, wears a tiger skin to indicate that he is beyond the bounds of the natural world.
Size (cms): 48(H) x 45(W) x 26.5(D)
Size (inches): 19(H) x 17.5(W) x 10.5(D)
