Important Notice

Chera Dynasty
Kerala, Early 12th Century
Bronze
Height: 14.5 in (37 cm)
Width: 5.75 in (14.5 cm)
Depth: 3 in (7.5 cm)

This sculpture is attached to a wooden base measuring 3.25 x 6.25 x 4.5 in (8 x 16 x 11.5 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in an American Collection
Private Collection, Mumbai

Kerala bronzes have long fascinated collectors and historians, with early research undertaken by eminent historians such as Douglas Barrett, former Keeper of the British Museum, and Stella Kramrisch. Far fewer in number than their Chola counterparts, they are highly sought after for their relative rarity. They are also smaller in scale, with early classical examples usually measuring 5 to 8 inches and 12 inches considered full-sized. Icons dating from the 17th century onward are larger and more common but lack the quality and finesse of earlier bronzes.

This magnificent bronze Devi would have originally been part of a pair flanking a main stone or bronze sculpture in the centre, together framed by a prabhavali (arched aureole). Stylistic traits typical of Kerala bronzes are evident in the stance of the sculpture, prominent breasts, and ornamentation. However, the more elaborate, fluid decorative treatment of slightly later works remains absent. The Devi’s expression is solemn, and her left hand holds a lotus bud that’s missing its tip. The bronze has acquired a highly desirable dark patina with a greenish hue. At over 15 inches in height, this sculpture is larger than most early Kerala bronzes, a distinction highlighted by comparable examples in prominent museum collections worldwide.

Chera Dynasty
Kerala, Early 12th Century
Bronze
Height: 14.5 in (37 cm)
Width: 5.75 in (14.5 cm)
Depth: 3 in (7.5 cm)

This sculpture is attached to a wooden base measuring 3.25 x 6.25 x 4.5 in (8 x 16 x 11.5 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in an American Collection
Private Collection, Mumbai

Kerala bronzes have long fascinated collectors and historians, with early research undertaken by eminent historians such as Douglas Barrett, former Keeper of the British Museum, and Stella Kramrisch. Far fewer in number than their Chola counterparts, they are highly sought after for their relative rarity. They are also smaller in scale, with early classical examples usually measuring 5 to 8 inches and 12 inches considered full-sized. Icons dating from the 17th century onward are larger and more common but lack the quality and finesse of earlier bronzes.

This magnificent bronze Devi would have originally been part of a pair flanking a main stone or bronze sculpture in the centre, together framed by a prabhavali (arched aureole). Stylistic traits typical of Kerala bronzes are evident in the stance of the sculpture, prominent breasts, and ornamentation. However, the more elaborate, fluid decorative treatment of slightly later works remains absent. The Devi’s expression is solemn, and her left hand holds a lotus bud that’s missing its tip. The bronze has acquired a highly desirable dark patina with a greenish hue. At over 15 inches in height, this sculpture is larger than most early Kerala bronzes, a distinction highlighted by comparable examples in prominent museum collections worldwide.