A Vaishnavite saint or teacher

India, South India (most probably Tamil Nadu)

18th century

Bronze

H10xW5.5cm 

Private Belgian collection

Seated cross-legged on a raised pedestal engraved with lotus-petal motifs, the figure raises his right hand in vitarka mudra, the teaching gesture, while the left is held in dhyana mudra, gesture of meditation. A faint V shaped tilaka mark on his forehead and a sacred thread across his chest (yajnopavita) can help to identify this figure as a follower of Lord Vishnu. He wears a dhoti and various jewellery, like armbands and long earrings.

His hair is arranged in a topknot. The absence of attributes suggests a devotional aspect of a follower of Vishnu, intended for domestic temple worship. This figure might be a teacher, a poet, a priest or a scholar who has attained ultimate knowledge.

His gestion of fearlessness invites every person to do the walk of life without fear and this person is also able to remove the darkness of ignorance and negative feelings.  

The bronze displays a rich dark patina and signs of ritual handling.

Reference: Guy, J., Indian temple sculpture, V&A Publications, 2007

The surface shows a dark brown to olive patina with areas of wear, consistent with age and ritual handling.

In front of Nandi, placed on the pedestal, is a small Shiva linga. This detail strongly suggests domestic worship use.