Lot 280: AN SOUTH INDIAN BRONZE SHRINE OF NAVANEETHA KRISHNA WITH CONSORTS, 19TH-20TH CENTURY.
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A South Indian cast bronze altar group or shrine, centred by the figure of Navaneetha Krishna in a dancing posture. The central deity is depicted with his right leg raised, holding a ball of butter in his right hand, and wearing a conical headdress and traditional jewellery. He is flanked by two female consorts, likely Rukmini and Satyabhama, standing in tribhanga poses on circular lotus pedestals, each holding a lotus bud attribute. The figures are set against an ornate prabhavali or arching backplate featuring a kirtimukha (Face of Glory) at the apex and stylised foliate decoration along the rim. The entire assembly is mounted on a tiered rectangular pedestal base which is supported by a frame with four simplified bracket feet. The construction is characteristic of regional sand-casting techniques used for domestic or village icons.
H: Approximately 17.5cm
Condition report:
The bronze shrine is in good overall condition. It displays a dark, aged patina with significant accumulation of dust and surface debris within the recessed areas. The reverse of the backplate shows numerous casting voids and circular pits, which are characteristic flaws inherent to the original provincial sand-casting process. Finer details show expected softening consistent with age and ritual handling.
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