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Unknown Maker, Indian

Shiva Nataraja, the King of Dance
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Indian

Culture

Indian

Title

Shiva Nataraja, the King of Dance

Period

Vijayanagar Period

Year

1500s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

bronze

Geography

Place Made: India; Place Made: Tamil Nadu

Dimensions

Height: 117.5 cm (46 1/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

33.026

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Asian Art Galleries
Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

In contrast to the stone sculptures stationed against the walls of temples, large bronzes like this one were fully modeled in the round and carried in street processions on festival days.  

Shiva gracefully performs the dance of bliss, creating and destroying the cosmic world in an eternal cycle of regeneration. The double-sided drum in his farthest right hand symbolizes creation while the flame on his left hand suggests destruction. When he first performed this dance to convince skeptics to the faith, he was tempted by a tiger, snake, and demon. Shiva prevailed, and is depicted wearing a snake belt and animal loincloth, standing on a demonic figure. 

Indian Art for the RISD Collection
Aug 23, 1985 – Mar 09, 1986

Label copy

Shiva, one of the three main gods of the Hindu pantheon, reveals himself in an extraoridinary array of manifestations. Here he is seen as the King of Dancers performing the dance of cosmic bliss. By means of attributes, gestures, and pose, he symbolizes the five essential acts (pancakrityas) which identify him as the all-encompassing creator, sustainer, destroyer, giver of solace, and dispeller of fear. This sculpture is ample testimony to the extraordinary skills of the South Indian bronze casters who worked in the vast kingdom of Vijayanagar (1336-1546).

Rockefeller Asian Art Gallery

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Indian
Shiva Nataraja, the King of Dance, 1500s
Bronze
Height: 117.5 cm (46 1/4 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 33.026

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