Antique Indonesian Style Java Majapahit Standing Bronze Vishnu Statue - Protector & Preserver - 29cm/12"

Measurements  Height 29cm/12"

An antique Java Style standing bronze Vishnu sculpture in the 13th century Majapahit style.

Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature. The Vishnu is stood samabhanga on a raised double lotus flower base, which is itself seated on a raised, decorated pedestal. A stag can be seen at the base of the pedestal. 

Vishnu holds a Trident, fly whisk, conch shell, bell, mala beads and lotus flower. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

He also holds a kalasha. The kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas. It is referred to as "overflowing full vase" in the Vedas. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.  

In his lower left hand he holds his gada or mace symbolising his mental and physical strength.

He wears a richly bejewelled dohti and upavita. His face has a downcast gaze. Upon his head he wears a decorative Javanese style tiara in front of his Kirita-Makuta or tall conical crown. This symbolises control over Positive and Negative attitudes.

On his forehead he has a third eye or urna. He has an aquiline nose and elongated earlobes with large ear rings.

The sculpture has a wonderful green and gray patina.

Scholarly Reference:

New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Accession Number: 1987.142.15

Christie's Auction House - Sale 2562 (December 2002) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART

Christie's Auction House - Sale 2612 (December 2003) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART

Bonhams - March 2018 - Fine Southeast Asian Arts

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