Antique Vishnu Copper Statue. India. From 16.-18. Century.

Antique Vishnu copper statue. India. From 16.-18. Century. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in the Hindu Trimurti. (In Hinduism, Trimurti is the divine "trinity" of three chief gods, which symbolizes the universe's cycle) The statue is depicted with four arms, characteristic of Vishnu, and he holds the typical attributes: Sudarshan Chakra (diskos) in the upper right hand and a conch-shell in the upper left hand. The lower right hand shows Varada Mudra, a gesture that symbolizes blessing and fulfillment of wishes. Provenance: This collection originated from a Danish nurse who, from approximately 1947-60, was part of the UN's vaccination program in Asia and Africa. In connection with this, she acquired this statue. The damage to the face of this type of ancient bronze figure usually stems from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a "pujapatina". During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) As the face is the most prominent and sacred point, the repeated contact and drying of the centuries leave the sharp details worn away. This leaves the metal soft, smooth, and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors. The material is a copper metal alloy. Dimensions: ca. 9x4,5x3 cm. Stand: see images.