This bronze figure represents the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. In this form, playing the flute, Krishna is known as Venugopala. Krishna is one of the most popular avatars of Vishnu and worshipped throughout India.

The figure stands in padasvastika pose,  with the right hip pushed outwards and the right leg crossed over the left, which bears his weight. A typical pose of Krishna when playing the flute. This pose is also known as Ardha soma. Some figures show with left leg crossed over.  The lower garment and side draperies are held by a girdle and flares out.

Krishna has four arms – the front two hold the flute, which he plays, while the left rear holds a conch shell and the right a chakra (wheel). Venugopala is one of the few forms of Krishna where he is shown with four arms.  He wears earrings,  bracelets, anklets, armlets, necklaces,  sacred thread and the tall crown. The general position of the body is called “triple bend” ( Tribhanga), thus bending the ankles, the waist and the neck.

When Venugopala bronze is intended for worship in temples it will have four hands with the rear hands holding wheel and conch and usually have his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama on either side.

 The bronze is about 18 cm in height and is solid cast.

The seller claimed it is from 19th century and this may not be earlier than that. This level of decoration in Conch and wheel was introduced in the 18th century.

This is probably from Tamil Nadu, South India.