A LARGE BRONZE STATUE OF VALLI, SOUTH INDIA, TAMIL NADU, 18th -19th CENTURY
The Hindu goddess cast standing in an implied tribhanga pose, subtly flexed at the hip, dressed in an ankle-length dhoti incised with foliate designs secured by a jeweled belt and long flowing sash, richly adorned with a necklace, earrings, armlets, and bangles. The face with elongated eyes and gently arched brows, a demure smile, and an overall modest demeanor. The hair parted down in the middle with tresses elegantly curling down the shoulder, the rest gathered in a coiled bun.


Provenance:
From an old private estate in Vienna, Austria. The stand with an old inscription, ‘Q. B. 73’.

Condition:
Excellent condition with old wear, expected casting irregularities, few tiny nicks and minor loss of material, signs of weathering and erosion.

Weight: 3,468 g
Dimensions: Height 35.5 cm (excl. stand) and 43.5 cm (incl. stand)

Mounted on an associated and fitted wood stand. (2)


Expert’s note
: Valli is a Hindu goddess, and the second consort of the deity Murugan. An incarnation of the goddess Sundaravalli, daughter of Vishnu, Valli is born on earth as the daughter of a chieftain, leading the life of a huntress. Murugan, the god of war, eventually woos and weds her, according to Tamil folklore. Both of their legends originate from the mountain region also known as Kurunji in Tamilakam. Her sister, Amritavalli (Devasena), also succeeds in marrying Murugan as the adopted daughter of Indra, making them sister-wives.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 March 2022, lot 462
Price: USD 22,680 or approx.
EUR 22,500
adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze figure of Valli, South India, Tamil Nadu, Nayaka period, late 18th-early19th century
Expert remark: Note the size (57.8 cm).