This is Ayyanar (also spelt Aiyanar and Iyanar) with his consorts Puranai and Puskala (At least one author identifies the consorts by the names Madana and Varani.). Ayyanar is a Grama-devata (Vill…
Source: Ayyanar with consorts
Tag Archives: India folk bronzes
Siva as an ascetic
Holding a staff in his right hand and water carrier (Kamandala) in his left hand, Siva is shown as an ascetic. The usual attributes of Siva (Trishul, Mirga, Drum) are not present in this bronze. It is…
Source: Siva as an ascetic
Vaishnavi (Kerala)
This is Vaishnavi, female energy of Vishnu, from Kerala region. Her upper hands are holding chakra (discuss) and shankha (conch shell). Typical attributes of Vishnu. Her lower hands are in abhaya (…
Source: Vaishnavi (Kerala)
Krishna Yasodha and Nanda
When I bought this few years ago, it was with the impression the bronze represents Krishna as a baby, his foster mother Yasodha and his foster father Nanda. Yasodha and Nanda are holding lot…
Source: Krishna Yasodha and Nanda
Nandi Stand
This appears to be a stand of some form either to hold a lamp or deity on top of the ridged circular platform. The middle portion shows a bull/nandi galloping. The bulls front and rear legs are sup…
Source: Nandi Stand
Veerabhadra shrine
This is Veerabhadra, Daksha and Sati. The shield in Veerabhadra’s left hand blocks Sati. See the side view below. Siva created Veerabhadra to punish Daksha. Sati is Siva’s consort. For…
Source: Veerabhadra shrine
Women with bottle and glass
For all that I know, this probably should not be in this site at all. No obvious Indian features or Indian influence, but for two things. See the the mark on her forehead , between eyebrows. Indian…
Source: Women with bottle and glass
Valampuri Ganesha (Standing)
This is Ganesha, son of Siva and Parvati. It is a rare form, standing Valampuri (trunk turned to the right) Ganesha. In this example he appears to be holding sweet, axe, goad and lotus bud in his h…
Source: Valampuri Ganesha (Standing)
Khandobha and Mhalsa (seated)
This folk bronze is Khandobha and his consort Mhalsa. He is identified as Khandobha with the horse standing on the right lower side of the pedestal. A simple ridged prabhavali defines the deities. …
Source: Khandobha and Mhalsa (seated)
Annapurna (standing)
This is Annapurna standing in samapada. She is identified by the ladle and pot in her hands. She is standing on a two-tiered rectangular pedestal. An ornate prabhavali gives her the backdrop. The l…
Source: Annapurna (standing)
Durga on her Vahana
Another miniature Durga, just about 5.5 cm. This one with with action and drama. It is eight armed Dura sitting astride her vahana, lion. A menacing looking lion. The attributes in her hands are no…
Source: Durga on her Vahana
Panduranga and Rukmini
This is Panduranga and Rukmini from Pandharpur. Panduranga is a minor incarnation of Krishna and his worship is centered around Pandharpur. He is also known as Vitthala or Vithoba. The myth has it …
Source: Panduranga and Rukmini
Lakshmi Narayana (Folk)
This is Vishnu standing next to Lakshmi. Vishnu is holding conch, lotus, mace and discuss/wheel, starting from lower right hand clockwise. Lotus and mace have long stem/handle. Conch and discuss ar…
Source: Lakshmi Narayana (Folk)
Rama Lakshman and Sita
This set of folk bronzes is from Bengal. The painting of eyes is typical of folk art in that part of India. One of well known painters, Jamini Roy, was inspired by this folk style. These three bron…
Source: Rama Lakshman and Sita
Muthappan ( A bronze with attitude!)
This is Muthappan, Siva as toddy tapper. A folk deity from Northern Kerala. The Saivite attributes (identifying this bronze as a form of Siva) in this bronze include third eye, cobra hood in the be…
Bronzes of India - A personal collection 