12" Ardhanarishvara Statue in Bronze | Indian Handcrafted Idol

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MADE IN INDIA.

12" Ardhanarishvara Statue in Bronze | Indian Handcrafted Idol

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$754.50

$1006

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When Lord Brahma was puzzled by the task of creation, Shiva and Shakti, the primordial male and female elements appeared in front of him, fused together in the divine Ardhanvarishwara roopa, underlining the philosophy of the oneness of Purusha and Prakriti in the making of Srishti.

Beautifully recreating the presence of Ardhanarishwara in bronze is this Panchaloha statue. Standing on a lotus pedestal, Uma-Maheshwara is in an exquisite posture, with an imposing hairdo adorning their form.

Shiva is wrapped in a Bagahcharma (tiger hide) and Uma Devi wears a delicate dhoti. Sharing a knowing smile, the divine mother and father emanate heavenliness in their surrounding.

This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

14 to 16 weeks

Advance to be paid now

$150.90 (20%)

Balance to be paid once product is ready

$603.60

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Specifications

	WSC281
	Bronze Statue
	Height: 12.5 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 3.8 inch
	Weight 2.66 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Divine Union

This exquisite bronze statue captures the profound and sacred essence of Ardhanarishvara, a composite manifestation of the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati. The term "Ardhanarishvara" itself, meaning "the Lord who is half woman," speaks to the union of the masculine and feminine principles, the dynamic balance between creation and destruction, stillness and movement, that forms the fundamental fabric of the universe. This artwork, meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in India, is a testament to centuries of devotion and artistic tradition.

Symbolism of the Form

The statue depicts Shiva on the right and Parvati on the left, seamlessly integrated into a single, harmonious form. The right side, representing Shiva, is often adorned with masculine attributes, such as a snake coiled around the arm or the trident (Parashu) held aloft, symbolizing his power and asceticism. The left side, embodying Parvati, exudes feminine grace, often depicted with delicate jewelry, flowing hair, and a gentle posture, representing her nurturing and creative aspect. This duality is not one of opposition, but of essential interdependence, illustrating that true wholeness is achieved through the union of opposites. In Hindu philosophy, this union is the primordial source from which all existence emanates. The figure's graceful tribhanga pose, a serpentine triple bend, further accentuates the divine fluidity and cosmic dance inherent in this form.

Artistic Excellence and Heritage

Crafted from bronze, this statue embodies the rich legacy of Indian metal casting, a tradition that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The lost-wax casting technique, often employed for such intricate works, requires immense skill and patience. The patina achieved through time and the crafting process adds a depth of character and a timeless aura to the sculpture. The detailed ornamentation, from the elaborate headdress and jewelry to the finely rendered drapery, showcases the artisan's mastery and deep understanding of iconography. This piece is more than just an idol; it is a tangible link to the spiritual and artistic heritage of India, offering a focal point for contemplation and devotion.

A Sacred Centerpiece

Bringing this Ardhanarishvara statue into your home or sacred space invites a powerful reminder of balance, unity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Whether placed in a puja room, a meditation space, or as a statement piece in your living area, it serves as a constant inspiration. It represents the divine feminine and masculine energies that reside within each individual and within the universe itself, promoting harmony and wholeness. The presence of this deity encourages an understanding that the sacred is found not only in the individual parts but in the beautiful synthesis of complementary forces.

Eternal Brilliance Unveiled: The Mystique of Panchaloha Bronze and Artful Maintenance Rituals

Bronze is a metal alloy that has the primary composition of Copper and Tin. There is also an addition of other metals such as Manganese, Aluminium, Nickel, and some non-metals such as Phosphorus. This composition of several metals and non-metals makes Bronze an extremely durable and strong metal alloy. It is for this reason that Bronze is extensively used for casting sculptures and statues. Since Bronze has a low melting point, it usually tends to fill in the finest details of a mould and when it cools down, it shrinks a little that makes it easier to separate from the mould.

" If you happen to have a bronze statue, simply use a cotton cloth with some coconut oil or any other natural oil to clean the statue. "

A village named Swamimalai in South India is especially known for exceptionally well-crafted Bronze icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The skilled artisans of this place use Panchaloha Bronze for casting the icons. Panchaloha Bronze is made of five metals; Copper, Zinc, Lead, and small quantities of Gold and Silver. Zinc gives a golden hue to the finished figure and Lead makes the alloy softer for the easy application of a chisel and hammer. The common technique for producing these statues and sculptures is the “Lost-wax” method. Because of the high durability of bronze sculptures and statues, less maintenance is required, and can still last up to many decades.

Exotic India takes great pride in its collection of hand-picked Panchaloha Statues. You will find the murtis of Gods (Krishna, Hanuman, Narasimha, Ganesha, Nataraja, and Kartikeya) and Goddesses (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, and Parvati), and Buddha statues. You can also buy Ritual paraphernalia (Wicks lamp, Puja Kalash, Cymbals, and Puja Flag) on the website. All these statues and items have been made with a lot of care and attention, giving them a flawless finish. Their fine carving detail represents the rich tradition of India.

Sculpting Dreams in Metal: The Enigmatic Alchemy of Panchaloha Bronze Masterpieces

Bronze statues and sculptures are known for their exquisite beauty and the divinity that they emit all around the space. Bronze is considered an excellent metal alloy, composed primarily of copper and tin. Many properties make it suitable for sculpting even the most intricate and complex structures. There was a period in history, known as the “Bronze Age'', in which most sculptors preferred to work with Bronze as it was considered the hardest metal. Bronze is especially appreciated for its durability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance properties. India is especially known for its elegant workmanship of skills working with Bronze. The artisans of a town named Swamimalai in South India have been following a tradition of bronze murti making for ages. They use a special material known as Panchaloha bronze to make fascinating icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All of us are allured by the beauty of bronze statues and sculptures but there goes a tough hand in casting those masterpieces with little or no imperfections. Since it is an extremely elaborate process, a sculptor needs to be highly skilled in making bronze antiques. The most common technique for casting bronze sculptures that has been followed since ancient times is the “Lost-wax” process which involves many steps:

1. Clay model making

The making of a bronze statue or sculpture starts with preparing a full-sized clay (usually Plasticine) model of the sculpture. This allows the artist to have an idea about the overall shape and form of the desired sculpture before working with bronze, a much more expensive and difficult-to-work-with material.

2. Mould making

Once the clay model is ready, a mould of the original sculpture is made. This is done by carefully covering the clay model with plaster strips. This step is carried out in such a way that no air bubbles are formed. It takes up to 24 hours for the plaster to dry. Once dried, the plaster is then gently removed from the clay model. The removal happens easily because the inner mould is usually made of materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone.

3. Wax filling and removal

In this step, molten bronze or wax is poured or filled into the mould in such a way that it gets even into the finest details. The mould is then turned upside down and left to cool and harden. When the wax has hardened, it is removed from the mould.

4. Chasing

Chasing is the process in which the artist refines the surface of the bronze statue using various tools to achieve fine details. This smoothens the surface and gives the statue a finished look. If some parts of the statue were moulded separately, they are now heated and attached.

5. Applying a patina

Bronze sculptures are known for their unique look or sheen on the surface. This may take several years to achieve naturally. Applying patina to bronze sculptures is an important step to make them appear attractive. Working with clay, plaster mould, and molten wax can be messy and therefore sculptors wear old clothes and remain careful. The entire process of making a bronze statue takes several months to complete. Bronze sculptures last for many centuries because of the high durability of the material. Many centuries down the line, these sculptures continue to be appreciated for their majestic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid. To know more about how bronze statues are made, please read our article on Panchaloha Bronze Statues. Whereas, brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow.
Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?

A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
Q. Can I return the statue ?

A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?

A. For any customisation, a new bronze statue has to be made. To know more, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.