Veerabhadra Shield

Veerabhadra Shield

Veerabhadra (Virabhadra) is shown on this shield with Prajapati Daksh and Sati on his right and left. There is a Nandi and Lingam above his head on either side of a fantastic kirtimukhi. This Veerabhadra has a very elaborate headdress including a seven headed Naga and Jata that swirls out in a figure 8-infinity shape. On either side of his headdress is a sun and moon.  Veerabhadra is covered in jewelry–necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets; and his weapons are all intact. There remains evidence of worship in the form of red kumkum powder and a white substance. The back of the shield has a handle so the it can be carried in a processional ceremony.

The fabrication of this shield is repousse over a pitch base which is captured in between two sheets of copper. There is some wear from rubbing in worship as well as some cracking on the bottom edge.

 

Origin

India

Material

Copper and pitch

Age/Condition

18th-19th c. Some wear and separation of the sheets of metal at the base of the shield.

Dimensions

9" x 7.25" x 2.75"
22.86cm x 18.4cm x 6.99cm

$350.00