Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

Monumental Ganesha, South India (Tamil Nadu) Fire-Gilded Temple Bronze

AvailabilityIn stock

Only 1 left

SKU

198

This impressive bronze Ganesha comes from South India (Tamil Nadu), dating to around 1700–1800, and was once richly fire-gilded. The deity is shown in royal ease, with his vahana – the rat – at his feet, a cobra as sacred thread across the belly, and a lotus-mango emblem crowning his head, which gives the clue that this was made in Tamil Nadu. Traces of original gilding remain visible under UV light, confirming its temple origin and ritual use. At 85 cm high and weighing over 40 kg, this is a rare large-scale cult statue with a powerful presence that belongs to a museum.

€45,000.00

Disclaimer – Valuation Report

This valuation report has been prepared based on visual assessment, stylistic analysis, and comparison
with similar objects. It represents an expert opinion for informational and documentation purposes only.
Please note: This report is not issued by a certified appraiser and is not intended for use in legal,
insurance, or tax-related matters. It does not constitute an official or court-recognized valuation. While care
has been taken in its preparation, no guarantees are made regarding authenticity, origin, or market value.
For official purposes, consultation with a licensed or accredited appraiser is recommended.

Monumental Ganesha, South India (Tamil Nadu) Fire-Gilded Temple Bronze

In stock

Description

As appraisers we had to investigate this figure with unusual care. At first sight, its style seemed to overlap with traditions from Odisha and even Sri Lanka. Only after detailed technical analysis—UV examination, microscopy, and comparison with regional models—did the evidence converge. What remains is a clear attribution: this monumental bronze is South Indian, from Tamil Nadu, dating to the late 17th or early 18th century.

This is far from an ordinary market bronze. It represents the highest level of South Indian bronze casting, reserved for temple use. Surviving examples of this scale and with fire-gilding intact are extremely rare. Museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and LACMA hold comparable works, though few reach this size or weight.

Technical and Iconographic Features

Fire-gilded copper alloy, with gold traces confirmed under UV light.
Monumental scale: 85 cm high, 40.8 kg, cast in sections with visible assembly seams.
No modern repair, synthetic coatings, or artificial patina.
Iconographic details include the broken tusk (ekadanta), modaka sweet, his vahana—the rat—at the base, and a cobra worn as sacred thread. The lotus-mango motif in the crown is a Tamil marker.
Palms with yantra-like symbols, attested in South Indian ritual bronzes.

Historical and Stylistic Context

The statue belongs to the Nayaka–Maratha tradition of Tamil Nadu. Its features—cobra, climbing rat, yantra palms, and crown ornament—distinguish it clearly from Odisha and Sri Lankan bronzes of the same period. The original gilding, still visible under UV, underlines its ritual importance.

Valuation (2025)

Considering size, rarity, and preserved gilding, the retail gallery value is assessed at €65,000 – €95,000, with a recommended listing price of around €85,000.