South East Asian Antler Ivory Carving
Shiva
On Lotus Pedestal
Signature: unsigned. Circa: early 1900S'
h. 5.25 in.(13.3cm.), w. 1.5 in.(3.9cm.), d. 1.5in.(3.9cm.)
Condition: Hairlines, o.a. very good

A well carved antique Shiva, depicting the deity with four arms, two at the front demonstrating his power in the material world, two at the back representing his invisible powers which dwell in the unconscious realm. Both highly polished and matte surfaces are present, with a small area of porosity at the center front of the carving revealing the bone structure. Shiva is clad in a tiger skin dhoti, decked with jewels and ornaments, and wears a high crown topped with the flame of omniscience, the crown shape with winged sides suggesting a Burmese origin. The god is seated among ocean waves replete with curling spirals both clockwise and counterclockwise, symbolizing the two directions of creation and dissolution over which he presides. He holds the bell, for wisdom, in his left hand while in his right hand he has the flame representing his power of creation. His long hair both rises and falls at the back, his feet emerge through foaming waves rising from a lotus throne.

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