The idea of auspiciousness and abundance in life is conveyed in Indian art tradition through the images of youthful maidens- Yakshi (heavenly females) or Apsara (celestial nymphs) in various enchanting postures and moods. These ethereal figures are the visual narration of the human desire for such beauty, through whose charms the divine interacts with the human realm.
Standing on an artistically sculpted lotus pedestal, this Panchaloha bronze Apsara with the sprig of the legendary Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) is the Sthapati’s vision of propitiousness and beauty. The bronze Apsara stands on a two-tiered circular pedestal in a statuesque posture, with her legs slightly apart and bending, giving her lithesome form an appealing appearance.
Marking her celestial stature, the nymph has a crown-like tiara on her head, complemented by Sirachakra (circular hair ornament, on the back), Surya pirai, and Chandra pirai (hairpins in the shape of Sun and Moon). On her neck, the bronze Apsara icon has a stringed necklace with a round pendant worn close to her neck, a broad gold necklace, and a Ratnamalika- necklace made from jewels and gold beads. In her ears, the Apsara wears a dehri (circular earring), on her arms is a Baajubanda (armband) with a peacock feather emblem, Kada (bracelet) in her hands, and ankle bracelets.
Her torso is beautified by a fine Channavira (stringed ornament) and her dhoti (lower body garment), delineated with wavy incised lines is elaborated by its fringes that sway on her side, the pleats of the dhoti that fall in front in the shape of a fan and the ornate girdle that clasps the dhoti.
The Sthapati (craftsman) has given the most pleasing facial features to this bronze Apsara- large, almond eyes, a sharp nose, and full lips on which a spellbinding inward smile can be seen. The bronze Apsara is herself an embodiment of the divine wish-fulfilling tree, which is famed for bringing opulence and holds the power to realize every human wish. Combined with this potent motif, this Panchaloha Apsara icon is a fortuitous piece from the South Indian art tradition.
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