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Indian [Hindu] polished brass murti. Durga - Mahishasurmadini [killing the buffalo demon]. Eastern India, probably Bengal. Cast in 5 parts. Now with 2 additional [19th/early 20th century] diminutive bronze Ganesh murtis attached to the base. Circa 18th century. Height 24.5cm. Weight 2.6 kg [approx 5 lb 12oz] [Ref.SG4e]

This skilfully cast Mahishasura mardini is from the east of India. This is a superior quality shrine most probably made for a temple donor or domestic shrine of a wealthy patron. Rather than having the stiff characteristics of the Bengali folk style, here Durga is dynamic and fully animated. The shrine was originally cast in 5 parts: the prabhatorana [backplate], the tiered base chased with lotus petals, a base plate with highly stylised lion biting the buffalo demon as he emerges from the buffalo, the goddess herself - Durga, and her girdle which is formed to fix the goddess to the backplate. Interestingly, the baseplate featuring Mahisha and Durga's lion was cast with a small hand - Durga's, but detached - grabbing the demon's hair according to the usual iconography which shows him being pulled from the gaping neck of the buffalo. As well as this the lion's tail has a small end of the goddess's robe, whilst her toes are visible on the buffalo's back, to pin the carcass in order to better release the demon. These features are very curious as they are not in keeping with the actual figure of Durga, but I can say with certainty they are integral and not in any way broken. I can only assume that these detached elements of Durga's body are to provide a symbolic bridge to the goddess, as, when fixed to the backplate, she is entirely removed from the action, instead hovering above. This is not quite so surprising when noting that it is the sum of the parts that create this religious icon, so to the Indian Hindu mind all fits perfectly. I can also say with certainty that since its creation the shrine has received 2 additions, both Ganesh murtis, one in simplified form, the other relatively naturalistic. They appear to have been added at different times - one is riveted, the other fixed with a screw. I would say they have been attached in the late 19th and/or early 20th century. This proves that the shrine was a "living" thing, dynamic over the period of time that it was used for worship, incorporating additions as its patron saw fit to further enhance its ritual function.

Condition: The backplate's rear is of dark patination showing that the shrine has at some relatively recent time been vigorously polished. The girdle has been broken and repaired. It has started regaining an age patina. In all other aspects this shrine is in excellent condition, the only missing part being the pin which fixes Durga's girdle to the backplate [temporarily replaced with a small rod of iron].