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Antique Lopburi Style Thai Bronze Reclining Vishnu Statue - 55cm/22" Long
Measurements 55cm/22" Long
An antique 17th century Lopburi style Thai bronze reclining Vishnu sculpture, from HD Asian Art.
Lopburi, a province located in central Thailand, has a historical legacy that dates back to the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th centuries). The Lopburi style emerged during the later Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, around the 13th to 17th centuries, marking a distinct phase in Thai religious artistry.
This pose reflects Vishnu at the beginning of a cosmic cycle.
Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature.
The image of Vishnu in a reclining posture, is one of the most profound and symbolically rich representations in Hindu art and spirituality.
This iconic depiction, known as Ananta Shayana (the eternal sleep of Vishnu), transcends mere mythology and delves into deep philosophical concepts of creation, preservation, and the cyclical nature of the universe.
For admirers of Asian art and those exploring the symbolic language of Hinduism, the reclining Vishnu offers a timeless narrative of cosmic order and spiritual insight.
His right hand supports his conical headress while the left arm is stretched out along his body.
He usually holds his characteristic attributes: the sutra (Holy book), shankha (conch), and gada (mace).
In Hindu cosmology, the reclining Vishnu is closely associated with the myth of creation. According to the Puranas (ancient Hindu texts), at the end of each cosmic cycle, the universe dissolves, and Vishnu withdraws into a state of yoga nidra (cosmic sleep) on Ananta, floating on the infinite ocean.
During this period of rest, the universe exists in a latent state, awaiting renewal. When the time for creation arrives, Vishnu awakens, and from his navel springs a lotus carrying Brahma. Brahma then undertakes the task of creating the cosmos anew, signifying the cycle of birth, preservation, and dissolution that governs the universe.
The reclining posture of Vishnu is laden with symbolic meanings. His repose is not an act of inactivity but rather a state of dynamic potential. It reflects the Hindu belief in the balance between action (karma) and rest (nidra), suggesting that periods of stillness are integral to the cycles of creation and regeneration.
For devotees, the image of the reclining Vishnu is a reminder of the need for balance in life. It encourages a harmonious approach to existence, where periods of rest and contemplation are as vital as action and creation. Meditating upon this form of Vishnu can inspire inner peace and a sense of surrender to the divine flow of life.
The Vishnu has perfect balance and proportions which are the key to a fine Vishnu sculpture.
The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face and hands. Each detail is rendered perfectly.The patina and details of this piece are particularly appealing. The perfect traditional in appearance Vishnu to bring serenity and timeless style to you home, office or sacred space.
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Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
