19th C. Indian White Brass Candle Holder w/ Nandi

South Asia, India, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An elegant white brass candle holder in the form of the Indian bull god Nandi, the vahana of the god Shiva. He is depicted here standing on a six-footed pedestal and wearing a checkered blanket as a cylindrical candle holder projects from his back. The entire example is intricately adorned with a series of ornate geometric motifs. The vahana, meaning in Sanskrit "that which carries/that which pulls," is an animal who a particular Hindu deity uses as a mount or vehicle. The relationship between the god and mount is a sacred one, celebrated in iconography and mythology. The worship of Nandi and Shiva is ancient and can be traced as far back as the Indus Valley Civilization. This lovely depiction of Nandi can be conveniently slid off of its base and stand as an independent candle stand. Size with stand: 4" W x 5.875" H (10.2 cm x 14.9 cm); Size without stand: 3.125" L x 1.5" W x 4.375" H (7.9 cm x 3.8 cm x 11.1 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#134509
Condition Report: Restoration to rim of candleholder. Perforation on one side of bull with two stable fissures. Chip to one foot of stand. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with light patina.