Indian bronze figure for I.D.

[colin henshaw]

Hi

Here are some images of a Hindu bronze deity I have. Height is approximately 19cm.

I'm a bit puzzled as to which deity it represents, my best guess at the moment is that its an avatar of Krishna. Can any of our Asian specialists help with a more definite attribution ?

Thanks in advance.

[kahnjar1]

Hi Colin,
Sorry for delay in reply to this but I had to track down a Hindu friend of mine. His opinion is that it is definitely not Krishna but can not identify it even as being Hindu. His opinion is that it is more likely some other deity and not necessarily Hindu. He ventures that it COULD BE one of the minor gods often seen at such places as shrines.
Sorry can't be of more help.
Stu

[BANDOOK]

GREETINGS COLIN
THIS A VISHNU AND IN THE CHOLA STYLE OF BRONZE FROM TAMIL NADU,SOUTHERN INDIA
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE HINDI DEITY VISHNU PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES,REGARDS RAJESH
http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/vishnu.htm#.VidMVjahfIU

[colin henshaw]

Thanks to Stu and Rajesh for their input on this piece. I decided to send some images of the bronze to the British Museum Asia Dept for their opinion. I will post the results of my enquiry when they reply, hopefully.

Regards.

[colin henshaw]

I have received a reply from the British Museum, and they think it most likely is a representation of Surya, the Hindu sun god, due to the two lotuses he is holding.

Here are a few more images of Surya from the internet...