Figurine, Sita

Title

Figurine, Sita

Year/Period

1800

Region

Sarnath, India

Material

BRS/BRZ/COP/GLD/MET/TIN/ZIN

Technique

The cire perdue or lost wax method was used to cast such bronzes. First, a model of the image is made of wax. This model is then encased in clay and heated to let the wax melt. This leaves a cavity which is filled with molten metal. Once the bronze is coo

Dimension

Object size: H50 x W25.7

Accession No.

1993-00221

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This is the figure of Sita, standing and wearing a long skirt with her left hand in the ‘varada’ or boon conferring ‘mudra’ while the other held up as if holding a lotus, suggesting her association with Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity). Around her neck, she wears a necklace produced by enamel paints.The style of the sculpture suggests that it is folk in character as seen in the full faces and heavy bodies. Even though they may appear crude compared to classical art, it is not difficult to identify religious personalities as they retain the attributes held in their hands, their symbols and vehicles. These folk images of deities were used especially in the shrines and altars of humble homes.