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Shiva as Kevala-Murti

Indian

Artwork Details

Shiva as Kevala-Murti
late 12th century - early 13th century
Indian
copper alloy
12 3/4 in x 6 1/4 in x 3 7/8 in (32.4 cm x 15.8 cm x 9.8 cm)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel
1980/2.289

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Description

Cola-period bronzes from the southern state of Tamil Nadu are justly famous for their superb casting and long-limbed elegance. In southern India, the iconography of Hindu deities became increasingly complex, with many subcategories for the major gods. Kevalamurti is one variant of an image of Shiva with the moon caught in his tangled locks of hair. His back hands originally held an axe and an antelope, while his right front hand is in the gesture of reassurance and his left front hand offers an easing of pain and sorrow.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art," 12/12/03-2/22/04.

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