{"product_id":"monumentaal-antiek-zuid-indiaas-houten-tempelpaneel-van-de-kosmische-dans-van-shiva-107-cm-17-kg-massief-hardhout-ca-1900","title":"Monumental Antique South Indian Wooden Temple Panel of Shiva's Cosmic Dance (107 cm) – 17 kg Solid Hardwood, c. 1900","description":"\u003carticle class=\"product-description\" lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cheader class=\"product-header\"\u003e\n    \u003ch1\u003eSouth Indian Temple Panel: Shiva Nataraja (Ananda Tandava)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n    \u003cp class=\"product-meta\"\u003eArchitectural High Relief from Tamil Nadu — Hardwood, 107 cm, 17 kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/header\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"description-section entry-summary\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAn exceptionally detailed and monumental architectural temple panel in high relief (alto-rilievo), carved from a single solid plank of dense hardwood. This monolithic masterpiece depicts the Hindu chief deity Shiva in his cosmic dance posture, the \u003cem\u003eAnanda Tandava\u003c\/em\u003e (Dance of Bliss). Originally, this panel served as a ritual structural element within the architecture of a South Indian temple (\u003cem\u003eMandapa\u003c\/em\u003e) or as a monumental decorative piece on a ceremonial temple chariot (\u003cem\u003eRatha\u003c\/em\u003e) in Tamil Nadu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"description-section iconography\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eIconographic Analysis \u0026amp; Mythological Tableau\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eThe central composition is dominated by the multi-armed manifestation of Shiva Nataraja, dynamically balancing in the cosmic dance pose. Under his right foot, he tramples the dwarf demon \u003cstrong\u003eApasmara\u003c\/strong\u003e (also known as Muyalaka), the personification of spiritual ignorance and the ego, symbolizing the triumph of universal consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \n    \u003cp\u003eIn his upper hands, Shiva holds his classic attributes: the \u003cstrong\u003eTrishula\u003c\/strong\u003e (trident) as a symbol of the three creative forces, and the \u003cstrong\u003eDamaru\u003c\/strong\u003e (drum) which produces the primordial sound of creation. One of his right hands is raised in the \u003cstrong\u003eAbhaya Mudra\u003c\/strong\u003e, the universal gesture of protection and reassurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \n    \u003cp\u003eShiva is flanked by a rich, adoring mythological retinue:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cul\u003e\n\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrahma (right side):\u003c\/strong\u003e The multi-headed creator god is depicted seated, playing the traditional double-sided drum (\u003cem\u003eMridangam\u003c\/em\u003e) to accompany the rhythm of the cosmos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eTandu \u0026amp; Ganas (left side):\u003c\/strong\u003e On the left side is a hybrid companion with a horse's head—an iconographic reference to the divine attendant Tandu, the originator and choreographer of the Tandava dance. Additionally, a flute-playing celestial musician (possibly the sage Bhringi), a leaping deer (\u003cem\u003eMriga\u003c\/em\u003e), and a flaming cobra (\u003cem\u003eNaga\u003c\/em\u003e) adorn the tableau.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \n    \u003cp\u003eThe top of the panel is crowned by an opulent, openwork floral scrollwork that originates from the monumental mask of \u003cstrong\u003eKirtimukha\u003c\/strong\u003e (the 'Face of Glory'). This monstrous and\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e","brand":"1stbuddha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57776616407371,"sku":"701","price":4068.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/6170\/5547\/files\/Shiva_Nataraja_Zuid_Indias_tempelreli_f_museum_opstelling_Tamil_Nadu.jpg?v=1783332547","url":"https:\/\/1stbuddha.com\/products\/monumental-antique-south-indian-wooden-temple-panel-of-the-cosmic-dance-of-shiva-107-cm-17-kg-solid-hardwood-ca-1900","provider":"1stbuddha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}