Antik Ramanuja bronze statue. India. From 17.-18. Century.

Antik Ramanuja bronze statue. India. From 17.-18. Century. Ramanuja (Ramanujacharya) was an important Hindu philosopher, guru and social reformer from the 11th century. Ramanuja is often depicted sitting in lotus position (sattvasana) with hands in a praying gesture, known as namaskara mudra. A holy staff (tridanda) rests against his right shoulder. This is a classic characteristic of sannyasiers (ascetics) within Sri Vaishnavism and identifies him specifically as Ramanuja. Provenance: The collection originates 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 wear on this type of antique bronze figures almost always comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face is the most prominent and sacred point, and the repeated touching and drying over the centuries smooths out the sharp details. This leaves the metal soft, smooth and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors. The material is a bronze metal alloy. Dimensions: ca. 6x4,5x4 cm. Condition: see photos.