Śiva Natārāja (Śiva, King of Dancers)
- Artist Culture
- Indian
- Dynasty
- Chola dynasty, c.860–1279
- Date
- 12th century
- Material
- Bronze and iron
- Classification
- Metalwork, sculpture
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 224
- Dimensions
- height: 34 5/8 in. (87.9 cm)
width: 28 5/8 in. (72.7 cm)
depth: 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
width of pedestal base including loops: 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
depth of pedestal base: 10 in. (25.4 cm) - Credit Line
- William K. Bixby Trust for Asian Art
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 4:1938
NOTES
Natārāja (King of Dancers) is one of many manifestations of the Hindu god Śiva. He is shown balancing on one leg as he lifts the other in his cosmic dance of creation and destruction of the universe. In his upper right hand, he carries a drum representing creation; his upper left hand holds a flame symbolizing destruction. His two other hands are positioned in gestures of comfort. Surrounded by a flaming aureole, or circle of light, Śiva tramples on the demon Apasmāra, who personifies ignorance. This sculpture is technically unusual because Śiva’s aureole was cast around a circular iron core. Such bronze images were carried around temples during festivals dedicated to Śiva.