Antique Bala Krishna Kaliya copper statue. India. From 17.-19. Century.

Antique Bala Krishna copper statue. India. From 17.-19. Century.

The figure likely depicts "Krishna Kaliya Mardan", a popular scene from Hindu mythology, where the young Krishna dances on the head of the demonic snake Kaliya.

The figure portrays a famous scene from Hindu mythology, where the young god Krishna subdues and dances on the head of the poisonous, multi-headed snake king Kaliya to purify the Yamuna river.

The scene represents the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of the divine order (dharma).

Provenance: it belongs to a collection of a Danish nurse who from ca. 1947-60 was part of the UN's vaccination program in Asia and Africa. In connection with this, she acquired this statue.

The wear on the face of this type of antique bronze figure usually comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a "pujapatina". During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face, being the most prominent and sacred point, is repeatedly touched and dried, which over the centuries wears away the sharp details, leaving the metal soft, smooth and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors.

The material is a copper metal alloy.

Dimensions: ca. 5x3x2 cm. Condition: see images.