Antique Vishnu Garuda copper statue. India. From 18.-19. Century.

Antique Vishnu Garuda copper statue. India. From 18.-19. Century.

Vishnu sitting on his divine mount (vahana), the mythical bird king Garuda.

The statue depicts, with the upper central figurine Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe in Hinduism. He is flanked by his companions or manifestations (often Shridevi and Bhudevi or other divine figures). At the bottom, the winged half-man, half-eagle is seen in a kneeling or sitting position. He bears Vishnu on his shoulders and has his wings spread out to the sides to symbolize his flying through the universe.

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 this type of antique bronze figures almost always stems from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During daily prayers and rituals (puja) As the face is the most prominent and sacred point, centuries of repeated touching and drying out the sharp details 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. 9x4,5x3,5 cm. Condition: see pictures.