Dimension: Height 8,8 cm ; Wide 6,7 cm ; Depth 4 cm

Weight: 191,7 grams

This very fine image of Uma (as the goddess in known in Tamil Nadu) or Parvati (as she is known in northern India) has a superb patina, and contours softened from puja-related wear.

The goddess wears a high, multi-tiered crown, ample jewellery and a fabulous, finely striped, ankle-length dhoti. Her breasts are prominent and emphasise her sensuousness.

This is a particularly fine, small bronze. It dates to the 14th century and possibly earlier.

References:

Dehejia, V., The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes from South India, American Federation of Arts/Mapin, 2003.

Guy, J., et al., Chola: Sacred Bronzes of Southern India, Royal Academy of Arts, 2007.