NEPAL, 14TH-15TH CENTURY

This charming gilt-copper image of Nandi, the bull companion and vahana of the Hindu god, Shiva, depicts the animal resting on its folded legs. The manner in which the back right leg is depicted folded underneath the body and the front right leg crossed in front of the chest, and the tail curled up and resting on its back, demonstrate an appreciation and awareness on the part of the artisan for the real-life anatomy of a large bull. The garland bedecked with bells draped around Nandi's neck highlights the esteem in which this divine animal was held.