Laddu Gopal: The Child Krishna with Laddu in His Hand

$375
Item Code: RW44
Specifications:
Bronze Sculpture
Height: 7.3 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 3.2 inch
Weight: 1.51 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
This tiny image cast in bronze, a tougher alloy but softened to reveal a gold ornament’s precision, minuteness of details and overall sophistication, represents child Krishna with a ‘laddu’ – ball-like shaped sweet, in his right hand, a form known in the popular tradition as ‘Laddu Gopal’. In the level of perfection and classicism that the image reveals there reflects a rare skill that the craftsmen of Swamimalai matured over centuries through many generations of them. A centre of bronze casting with its rare distinction, perhaps hardly any other art centre in India to stand equal, still pursues the standards of great South Indian bronzes that had a centuries old tradition under many ruling dynasties. Bronzes from Swamimalai, a small town near Chennai in Tamilnadu, as this tiny piece, with every millimeter of space conceived with a jeweler’s eye, breathe a kind of classicism, divine aura, and beauty par excellence.

The child Krishna has been represented as sprawling on the floor which the pedestal his image has been installed on symbolises. His left leg has been cast as turned to right in semi-cross-legged posture, and the right, upraised, which besides creating a rhythmic vibrancy also supports his upheld right hand. The artist seems to have infused into the simple anatomy of the figure a meaning, however remote. His right hand, holding the sweet, is upheld as if offering the ‘laddu’ : symbolic of all the boons – all good and positive, to the world, while with the gesture of the left : symbolising annihilation in Indian iconographical tradition, he seems to restrain evil and subdue it. His face, or the body-part over the neck, tilted a little to right, creates a rhythm that is the characteristic feature of his iconography in his ‘tri-bhanga’ – three-curved posture, one of his main iconographic forms.

The figure of the child Krishna has been conceived with a well-built anatomy. Except the pointed slightly protruding chin the face is almost roundish and glows with divine aura. A sharp proportionately conceived nose, large thoughtful eyes with wide-stretched eye-brows, small cute lips and a broad forehead except what of it the ornamental band covers, define his iconography. Though without his usual ‘pitambara’ – yellow wear on his person, a wide range of ornaments cover his figure from head to feet. His hair has been artistically dressed forming a flat ribbed dome-like rounded knot the top of which a peacock-feather motif crests and a beaded lace with a pendant in the centre contains. Besides the usual ‘kundalas’ – ear-ornaments, that comprise an essential feature of almost all Vaishnava images the child Krishna has on his forehead the Vaishnava ‘tilaka’, the auspicious mark with the lamp-flame like shape.

The image has been installed on a two-tiered pedestal, the lower part, comprising stylised lotus motifs, rising in taper, and the upper, a plain moulding with edged apex. The most ornate part of the statue is its beautifully designed ‘prabhavali’ – fire-arch, conceived and cast using a wide range of motifs representing various traditions, both auspicious and artistic, and design-patterns. Typical of South Indian model of ‘prabhavali’, its lower part comprises dwarf-pillars on both sides on which rests the circular arch. Besides their broad architectural character, the dwarf-pillars comprise mask-motifs and mythical lion figures. The figures of mythical elephants with floral-vine tails top the dwarf-pillars and support on their backs the multi tired ‘prabhavali’ topped by an elaborate and highly evolved ‘kirtimukha’ motif. Almost a three-fourth circle, the rest of the ‘prabhavali’ comprises vivid design-patterns from courses of beads to floral arabesques.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?


Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

 

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

 

  • The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

 

 

  • To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.


  • In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?
    A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at [email protected].
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at [email protected].
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