Antique Indian Style Bronze Dancing Shiva statue as Lord Nataraja - 42cm/17"

Antique Indian Style Bronze Dancing Shiva Statue as Lord Nataraja - 42cm(17") Tall

Measures (Height) 42cm/17"

An antique Indian style dancing Shiva, as Lord Nataraja, in 10th century Chola style.

Here Shiva is depicted as the divine dancer and Lord of the dramatic arts. With perfect balance and proportions the sculpture depicts Shiva as Lord Nataraja, in traditional pose.

In India the art of dance is not only regarded as a form of Yoga but is associated with the very act of creation. As Lord of Yoga, Shiva is also the source of the cosmic dance that created the universe in endless rhythmic cycles.

The Tamil sculptors of the Chola dynasty (mid-ninth to early fourteenth centuries) realized Shiva the Dancer in his most complete and graphic form (Nataraja), one which has become symbolic of Indian civilization.

Shiva its shown dancing in Natya Shastra pose, holding Agni (fire) in his left back hand. The front hand in Dharmachakra or Teaching mudra.

In his upper right hand Shiva holds the Drum representing the primordial sound at the creation of the universe; the second right hand makes a gesture of reassurance. His upper left hand holds Agni. the flame of destruction. The lower one points to his left foot, refuge of the soul, and shows the path of salvation through Shiva's trampling of the demon that personifies ignorance.

His body, fingers, ankles, neck, face, head, ear lobes and dress are decorated and bejewelled. Shiva's body seems to rise and expand with his aureole. The force of his broad shoulders and proud countenance are echoed by the rhythmic explosion of his locks. His wavy hair reflecting the Ganges and representing the God's intimate connections with water, the force of life.

Perfectly poised, this work manifests Shiva's divine unity with compelling grace and majesty.

Shiva is backed by an aureole with a beaded border and flaming rim, topped by a decorative finial, symbolising his divinity. The aureole of flame that rises from a lotus pedestal is a symbol of primordial being and creation. The arched aureole and its multi-tongued flames represent the universe and its ultimate destruction by fire.

Shiva is standing upon a rectangular double lotus pedestal, lifting his left leg and trampling upon a demon (Apasmara or Muyalaka) who symbolizes ignorance.

The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

The dynamism of the energetic dancing of Shiva, is offered in classic Majapahit stye. Shiva is dressed in a simple robe, with a sash tied around his waist and is wearing a number of pieces of ornate jewellery, including crown and earrings.

His hair is piled in a tripartite chignon decorated with a cockade and is discretely adorned with only a necklace, diamond shaped earrings, a Yajnopavita (Scared Brahmanical thread) and a single bangle on each wrist.

As the destroyer, Shiva is regarded as limitless, transcendent and unchanging. Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts. Shiva is part of the Hindu holy trimurti which includes Brahma and Vishnu.

The Trilochana of Shiva can be seen on his forehead - the Three-Eyed Lord. It is the eye of wisdom, free from 'Maya', the illusion, and duality of life. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy.

This traditional in appearance sculpture is sure to add a unique touch to your home, work or sacred space. 

Key Features

• Antique Indian‑style Nataraja – A finely cast bronze depiction of Shiva as Lord Nataraja, inspired by the iconic 10th‑century Chola tradition of South India.

• Impressive display scale – Measures 42cm / 17" high, creating a commanding sculptural focal point for a home, office, gallery or sacred space.

• The cosmic dancer – Shiva performs the Ananda Tandava, the dance through which creation, preservation, transformation, concealment and grace are held in eternal balance.

• Classic four‑armed iconography – Holds the damaru drum of primordial creation and Agni, the fire of transformation; one hand offers reassurance, while another points to the raised foot, the refuge and path to liberation.

• Triumphant dance over ignorance – Shiva’s right foot subdues Apasmara (Muyalaka), the dwarf figure embodying ignorance, forgetfulness and spiritual delusion.

• Flaming cosmic aureole – A beaded, flame‑rimmed prabhamandala surrounds the dancing deity, representing the universe, divine radiance and the continual cycle of creation and dissolution.

• Double lotus pedestal – The figure rises from a rectangular, double‑lotus base, a traditional symbol of purity, compassion and spiritual awakening.

• Exquisite ornamental detail – Fine jewellery, crown, earrings, sacred Yajnopavita thread, bangle, flowing sash and tripartite chignon are carefully rendered throughout.

• Three‑eyed Shiva – The Trilochana, or third eye, marks Shiva’s vision beyond illusion and duality, and represents spiritual wisdom and transformative energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Nataraja?
A: Nataraja means “Lord of the Dance.” It is one of the most celebrated forms of Shiva, presenting him as the divine dancer whose movement embodies the rhythm of the cosmos—creation, continuity, transformation and spiritual release.

Q: What is the meaning of Shiva’s cosmic dance?
A: In this form, Shiva’s dance is not simply performance: it is a visual expression of the universe in motion. The dance represents the perpetual cycles through which things arise, endure, change and pass away, while also offering liberation from ignorance and attachment.

Q: What artistic style does this sculpture follow?
A: The statue is made in a 10th‑century Chola style, inspired by the masterful South Indian bronzes created under the Tamil Chola dynasty. The Chola tradition is particularly renowned for its balanced, fluid Nataraja images, in which precise iconography is united with extraordinary grace and movement.

Q: Is this a Chola‑period original?
A: The description identifies the sculpture as an antique Indian‑style Nataraja in 10th‑century Chola style. The “10th‑century Chola” reference describes its artistic inspiration and iconographic tradition; it should not be taken as confirmation that the sculpture itself was cast in the 10th century.

Q: Why does Shiva have four arms?
A: The four arms allow several complementary meanings to be expressed at once: creative energy, transformation, protection, grace and liberation. They show Shiva as a being who is both active within the universe and transcendent beyond it.

Q: What does the drum in Shiva’s upper right hand represent?
A: The small hourglass drum, called the damaru, represents the primordial rhythm and sound of creation. Its beat is understood to mark the emergence of time, language, movement and the universe itself.

Q: What does the fire in Shiva’s upper left hand mean?
A: The flame, or Agni, represents dissolution and transformation. In the Nataraja image, destruction is not merely negative—it clears away what has become fixed or limiting so that renewal and creation can continue.

Q: What is the gesture of the front right hand?
A: The front right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, the gesture of fearlessness. It offers assurance and protection, communicating that spiritual truth need not be feared even amid the ceaseless transformations of life.wikipedia+2

Q: Why does the lower left hand point to the raised foot?
A: The sweeping lower left hand directs attention to Shiva’s raised left foot. This foot symbolises refuge, grace and liberation, showing the way beyond ignorance and the repetitive cycle of suffering.

Q: Who is the figure beneath Shiva’s foot?
A: The small dwarf‑like figure is Apasmara, also called Muyalaka. He personifies ignorance, forgetfulness, ego and spiritual confusion. Shiva subdues rather than destroys him, expressing the continual need to keep ignorance under the guidance of wisdom.

Q: What does the ring of flames around Shiva signify?
A: The flaming arch, called a prabhamandala or aureole, represents the cosmos and Shiva’s radiant energy. Its outward‑facing flames evoke both the power of creation and the fire through which the universe ultimately transforms.

Q: What is the meaning of the lotus pedestal?
A: The lotus grows from muddy water yet opens in unblemished beauty. It is therefore an enduring symbol of purity, compassion, spiritual growth and enlightenment. The double‑lotus base visually grounds Shiva’s immense cosmic energy in an image of serene awakening.

Q: What does Shiva’s third eye mean?
A: Shiva’s third eye, known as Trilochana, is the eye of higher wisdom. It sees beyond Maya—the illusion and duality of ordinary experience—and symbolises the transformative insight that dissolves ignorance.

Q: Why is Shiva’s hair shown flying outward?
A: The flying locks emphasise the force and dynamism of the dance. Shiva’s matted hair is also traditionally associated with the River Ganges, which he holds and releases through his locks, connecting him to life‑giving water, ascetic power and the natural world.

Q: What is the sacred thread across Shiva’s body?
A: The Yajnopavita is the sacred Brahmanical thread, traditionally associated with ritual responsibility, learning and spiritual discipline. In this Nataraja image it reinforces Shiva’s role as a divine teacher as well as the cosmic dancer.

Q: Is the statue appropriate for non‑Hindus to display?
A: Yes. Nataraja is widely appreciated by collectors, artists, dancers, yoga practitioners and people drawn to its message of balance and renewal. The image should be displayed respectfully, ideally in a clean, elevated and considered setting.

Q: Is Nataraja a suitable sculpture for a yoga, dance or meditation space?
A: Very much so. As patron of yoga, meditation, dance and the arts, Nataraja is a powerful focal point for a studio, therapy room, meditation space or creative workplace. The image encourages both disciplined practice and freedom of expression.

Q: Where should I place the Nataraja at home?
A: A stable console, altar, library shelf, living‑room focal point or meditation area all work well. Leave enough surrounding space to appreciate the circular aureole and raised leg, and avoid positioning the sculpture where it may be knocked or exposed to constant handling.

Q: How should I care for the bronze?
A: Dust gently with a soft dry cloth or natural‑bristle brush, taking care around the flame tips, hands and jewellery. Avoid abrasive materials, commercial metal polish, chemical cleaners and water immersion, as these may damage the aged patina.

Q: Is it suitable for outdoor display?
A: Indoor display is recommended. Prolonged rain, frost, direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity may alter the bronze surface and patina, particularly in the detailed areas of the aureole and ornament.

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