Vintage Vitthala–Rukmini Brass Statuette | Maharashtra | Pandharpur Tradition
A vintage brass statuette of Vitthala and Rukmini from Maharashtra, representing the beloved divine couple at the heart of the Pandharpur tradition of Vithoba worship. Vitthala, also known as Vithoba, Vithal or Panduranga, is traditionally understood as a form of Vishnu or Krishna and is the principal deity of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Rukmini, also known as Rakhumai, is his consort. The pair is depicted in the characteristic standing, hands-on-hips posture associated with Vitthala, an instantly recognisable feature of Vithoba's iconography. The tradition is closely connected with the devotional Varkari movement and the sacred town of Pandharpur, making Vitthala one of the most important devotional figures in Maharashtra. As a small brass devotional statuette, the piece belongs to the long tradition of intimate metal images made for personal worship and domestic shrines. Its vintage character and regional association make it an interesting example of Maharashtrian devotional art and traditional Indian brasswork.