AN INDIAN BRONZE OF ADITI, GODDESS OF VOID AND INFINITY
AN INDIAN BRONZE OF ADITI, GODDESS OF VOID AND INFINITY
Bronze
India, 19th century
Aditi is represented here as a void space formed by a square frame over a stepped base and surmounted by a shaped pediment representing hair with a pointed finial, movable arms and legs. The frame is flanked by pierced ears possibly signifying the ‘Narkasura’ legend. Donating idols of Aditi as a cure for various illness has been documented at length in Abul Fazi’s famous 16th century Persian book Ain-I-Akbari. However, she is now a forgotten goddess who now only appears verbally in Sanskrit incantations. For a closely related example, see Christie’s Sale 2271, Lot 1282, 20th March 2009, New York.
Dimensions: HEIGHT AT TOP 13.1 CM, WIDTH 6.6 CM
Condition: Very good condition
Provenance: Private collection of an Indian gentleman