BULLSouthern India, 18th-19th centuryThe animal lying on a rectangular base, the head slightly turned to the left, between the neck and shoulders a saddle-cloth ending at the bottom with a bell.27 cm highProvenance: Italian private collection.The Nandi bull is the mount of Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. Sculptures depicting him are usually placed in temples, and the faithful honor them with offerings of flowers and incense, also touching their bodies with the hope that the animal can pass on to them the self-denial with which he himself is loyal to Shiva.* The present lot is offered with export license.