Antique Vishnu copper statue. India. From 16th-18th Century.

Antique Vishnu copper statue. India. From 16th-18th Century.

Vishnu, preserver of the universe in the Hindu Trimurti. ( In Hinduism, Trimurti is the divine "trinity" of three main gods, which symbolizes the universe's cycle)

The statue is depicted with four arms, which is characteristic of Vishnu, and he holds the typical attributes: Sudarshan Chakra (disk) in the upper right hand and a conch shell in the upper left hand. The lower right hand shows Varada Mudra, a gesture that symbolizes blessing and fulfillment of wishes.

Provenance: originates from the collection of a Danish nurse who from approx. 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 ancient bronze figurine 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 holy point, centuries of repeated touching and drying wear away the sharp details. 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. 9x4,5x3 cm. Condition: see pictures.