Set of 3 Antique South Indian Bronze Deities – Vishnu (Kurma), Murugan, and Ganesha – ca. 1900–1940

This is a rare and highly symbolic set of three authentic South Indian bronze deity figures, each seated on a sacred animal mount. Originating from Tamil Nadu or Karnataka and dated to circa 1900–1940, the figures were cast using the traditional lost-wax method (cire perdue) and show rich natural patina, ritual wear, and artisanal detailing.

Included Figures

• Kurma Avatar of Vishnu seated on a tortoise, with yantra-like sacred inscriptions carved into the shell and underside. The tortoise symbolizes cosmic stability, Vishnu’s support of the world, and astrological protection. Inscriptions resemble:
• ॐ, ௐ, ஜ, ஸ்ரீ – sacred Tamil or Grantha characters
• ☉ ☽ ♃ ♄ – planetary glyphs
• Mantric symbols arranged in a 3×3 grid on the underside
• Murugan (Kartikeya) seated on a rooster, his lesser-known but symbolically potent vahana (mount). The rooster represents divine victory over ego and illusion. This piece features a visible red clay casting core on the underside, confirming lost-wax tradition.
• Ganesha seated on his faithful mouse (Mushika), embodying wisdom, grounding, and the removal of obstacles. The stylized features and hand-tooled finishing mark this as a folk devotional form.

Technical Details

• Material: Bronze (lost-wax casting)
• Dimensions: Heights range from 11.5 to 14.5 cm
• Combined Weight: Approx. 1.8 kg
• Country of Origin: India (Tamil Nadu or Karnataka)
• Estimated Date: ca. 1900–1940
• Condition: Good antique condition with natural oxidation and patina. No restorations or artificial aging.

This set reflects a deep tradition of ritual craftsmanship in South Indian bronze casting. The combination of divine mount symbolism (tortoise, rooster, mouse) and sacred inscriptions makes this an ideal piece for collectors, shrines, or symbolic display.