15″ Shiva Tandava | Handcrafted Brass | Green Finish

This 15.5-inch handcrafted brass sculpture depicts Lord Shiva in Tandava, the cosmic dance, rendered in the tradition of Chola-period iconography. The piece measures 15.5 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and 5.5 inches in depth, and weighs 7 kilograms — a substantial, grounded work with considerable physical presence.

The form is cast using traditional lost-wax techniques, a method that allows the craftsperson to capture the fine detailing visible throughout — the layered crown rising to a pointed apex, the multiple arms extended in dynamic gesture, the elaborate hip drapery, and the ornate tiered base. Shiva stands with one foot planted on a prostrate figure and the other raised, the body twisted mid-movement with a tension that conveys both power and precision. Each arm carries its own gesture, consistent with classical iconographic convention, and the facial expression is calm — composed against the movement of the limbs. The detailing on the jewellery, waistband, and base panels has been worked by hand, and the depth of that relief work is clearly visible in the casting.

In Indian tradition, Tandava represents Shiva's role as the force behind cosmic cycles — creation, preservation, and dissolution held within a single movement. The figure treading upon Apasmara, the demon of ignorance, is a core element of this iconography, signifying the victory of awareness over delusion.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, valued in Indian craft traditions for its density, structural strength, and the warmth it develops over time. It has been the preferred material for devotional and ceremonial objects across centuries, owing to its workability in fine casting and its long-term durability.

This piece carries an antique green finish — deep and even across the surface, with warmer gold tones emerging at raised areas of ornamentation and along the base panels. As with all handcrafted work, individual pieces will carry slight variation in tone, surface texture, and detailing — characteristics that are inherent to the process and not inconsistencies.

This sculpture is suited for a dedicated puja space, a home altar, or a serious collector's display — and makes a considered gift for anyone with an appreciation for classical Indian sacred art.