Antique Dancing Krishna copper statue. India. From 18th Century.

Antique Dancing Krishna copper statue. India. From 18th Century.

The statue depicts the scene "Kaliyadaman", where Krishna dances on the head of the poisonous snake Kaliya to protect the people.

Krishna is seen in a classical dance pose on the snake's head. He holds the snake's tail in his left hand, while he balances on its body with one foot and lifts the other.

Provenance: originates from the collection of a Danish nurse who from approximately 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 almost always comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a "pujapatina". During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) as the face is the most prominent and sacred point, the repeated touching and drying of the years leaves the sharp details worn away. This leaves the metal soft, smooth and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors.

The material is a copper metal alloy.

Measurements: approx. 6,7x4,5x2,5 cm. Condition: see pictures.