Indian Seated Figure of Parvati

A small figure sits under an arch of flames, holding a full set of implements without any apparent strain.

This seated figure of Parvati is Jain, from India, and dates to the 16th century. It is bronze. Small devotional bronzes like this were generally made for household shrines, where they could be handled, bathed and dressed in daily worship. The figure sits on a round lotus pedestal with one leg folded, several arms raised to hold implements, and a tall crown. A pierced arch of flame-like scrolls rises behind, crowned by a lion-mask finial. The metal has a bright, warm, polished surface. It is 3.5 inches wide, 1.8 deep and 5.5 high.

Small enough for a pocket, crowned like a palace.