This quite a tall brass statue in the tradition of great Chola bronzes of South represents the Ardhanarishvara, that is, half male and half female, form of Lord Shiva. The master caster has packed the right half of the statue with factors of male physiognomy and the most of Shaivite attributes and the left half with those of a woman and the attributes of Shiva's spouse Parvati.
The magnificence of caster's art lies in discovering the unity of his form in ever the most conflicting and diverse elements, the masculine and feminine, and what is more, the unity is superb and the distinction, precision, and minuteness with which he has created his contrasts as unique. He has adhered to tradition but with quite innovative strides. The feminine half representing Parvati prominently holds in one of her or his hands a large lotus, the emblem of Lakshmi, symbolizing the ultimate fusion of all female elements in her as that of the male and female elements in her lord, the Ardhanarishvara.
This phenomenal manifestation of Shiva visualizes mankind as the Rigveda had visualized it long back "what you describe to me as Male are in reality also Female . He who has the penetrating eyes of the mind discerns this truth". The existence is essentially composed of two sets of diverse elements, which Shiva as Sadashiva and Adipurusha blends in his form and represents. Everyone born is either a male or a female, the Adipurusha Shiva, the Sadashiva, the ever present benevolent One, is the total, all that is masculine and all that is feminine. West's inseparable union of male and female seen in the form of Cupid and Psyche is the unity of two in two forms. In Ardhanarishvara this unity is in one form. Vedas and other ancient texts have talked of this unity time and again and the modern scientist and psychologist is amazed at such a vide and scientific concept of Ardhanarishvara or the union of male and female as one being.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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