North India India

Exhibited by Prahlad Bubbar

Material Marble, gilt

Dimensions 23.5 x 29 x 16.5 cm

Place of Creation India

Status Vetted

About the Work

This exceptional late 18th century marble figure of Nandi, or Nandin, the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle (vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva, is a remarkable example of the important Hindu sculptures that demonstrate the great reverence for living bulls in Indian society to this day. The figure is sculpted with great naturalism and sensitive modelling; the medium of marble is perfectly suited to the manifestation of its rounded volumes and projected weight.

By applying gold, the sculptor has further ornamented the bull into the realm of the divine as its horns, ears and hoofs are painted as well as a decorative necklace of bells around the neck and a blanket spread across the ample back. These chromatic touches elevate the figure beyond its zoomorphic identity and in line with its sacred symbolism. The white colour of the bull symbolizes purity and justice.

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