17th Century Indian Bronze Narasimha Figure

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An Indian bronze seated figure of Narasimha, probably Vajayanagara period, circa 17th century, sitting in a meditation pose of 'utkutikasana' on a stepped round lotus base, the legs of the lion-head deity held by a 'yogapata', his principle arms are outstretched and rest on the knees, with the upper hands raised holding a chakra and a conch shell. Narasimha in this lion head form is best known as the fourth avatar of Vishnu, he appeared on earth to defeat the invincible evil King Hiranyakashipu. Thus he is worshipped as a symbol of valour and martial strength, and praised as the bringer of peace and order to the world of men.For an earlier example please see a Yoga Narasimha formerly in the Samuel Eilenberg Collection, now kept in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Museum no.: 2000.284.4). In addition, another similar example sold in Bonhams New York in 19/3/2012, lot: 01033., 11 cm high. Provenance: A old New South Wales private collection

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Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.

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