Nepal, 16th - 17th century, Wooden sculpture of Shiva in his wrathful form Bhairava

Nepal, possibly Kathmandu Valley 16th - 17th century Wooden sculpture of Shiva in his wrathful form Bhairava Wood with traces of polychromy Bronze base Wear and tear 18.5 x 5.3 cm excluding base Private collection Rare representation of Shiva in his wrathful aspect, Bhairava. He is represented in a terrifying form, his grimacing face adorned with the third eye. He is depicted standing under large foliage, perched on a demon (symbol of ignorance, illusion) in the pratyalidha attitude (split to the right), the latter represented lying on his back. The deity is wearing a high tiara, large circular earrings falling on the shoulders. He is adorned with a long garland made of human skulls (mundamala) and a necklace as well as bracelets on his wrists. The deity is adorned with sixteen arms, each brandishing an ornament. Bhairava is one of the most violent manifestations of Shiva. Created to punish Brahma, who, blinded by his arrogance, had attributed to himself the origin of the universe, Bhairava punishes the impudent one by cutting off his fifth head. This act celebrates Shiva’s supremacy, thus establishing himself as the formidable defender of reality. If Bhairava is the great destroyer who makes even the god of death tremble, he devours the sins of the devotees and shows the way to Salvation. The entire piece is of a high quality of execution which is to be noted for a piece of this dimension.

Dimensions :
- Height : 18.5 cm hors socle cm
- Width : 5.3 cm hors socle cm