Bronze Statue of Parvati

India, Chola dynasty / Sri Lanka, 12th century

Dimensions: 8 cm 

Bronze sculpture of Parvati, the majestic goddess of Hinduism

Thanks to the touch of the worshippers who adore her, the face of the statue is less visible, but the crown, earrings and necklaces give the impression of immense beauty, and the hips and slender limbs emphasise her femininity. The goddess is seated in a relaxed posture, one leg resting on the low pedestal, leaning on her left hand, in lalitasana (‘the royal seat’) position. And the missing right hand, typical of Parvati, may have been in kataka mudra (‘gesture of openness’) position, used for holding offerings and sacred objects.