Shiva

Object Details

• Label

  In this solemn image, Shiva, seated in a posture of ease, promises protection with his upraised front hand. Shiva’s matted locks, which indicate that he is an ascetic, are arranged in an elaborate crown. His third eye represents his omniscience, and his direct gaze confers grace on his devotees.

  In South India, artists created bronze images specifically for processions. On festival days, the bronzes were adorned with fine silks, jewelry, and flower garlands that had been given as gifts by devotees. Temple attendants carried the ornamented gods around temple and township to give blessings to everyone.

• Provenance

  ?-no later than 1972

  William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From at least 1972-1987

  Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. [2]

  From 1987

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler [3]

  Notes:

  [1] See photograph in object file with “WM. H. WOLFF INC.” stamp with annotation noting the stock number “02/664A” on verso. The photograph is undated. See also Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory, number 72.11.1, which cites “WW 02/664A” as a dealer number, copy in object file.

  [2] See Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory, number 72.11.1. In 1972, Arthur M. Sackler loaned the sculpture to the Brooklyn Museum, where the museum assigned it the loan number of “L72.11.1.”

  [3] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

  Research Completed October 18, 2022

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Gods, Companions, and Devotees (October 14, 2017 to March 13, 2020)

  Sculpture of South Asia and the Himalayas (May 4, 1988 to July 9, 2017)

• Previous custodian or owner

  William H. Wolff, Inc. (1906-1991)

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)

• Origin

  Tamil Nadu state, India

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1500s, 1400s

• Name

  Sackler, Arthur M., Wolff, William H.

• Place

  Tamil Nadu state, India

• Topic

  Bronze, South Asian and Himalayan Art, Art, Sculpture, Shiva, Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians, Hindus

• Object Type

  Sculpture