19th Century Indian Brass Krishna Figure (Trade)

This exceptional antique figurine stands as a magnificent tribute to classical Indian spiritual sculpture. Hand-cast by master artisans utilizing the historic lost-wax method, the piece depicts Krishna in his iconic Muralidhara (flute-playing) or Venugopala manifestation. The sculpture is a triumph of lyrical balance, frozen in a graceful, dynamic stance with his legs crossed at the ankles in the traditional tribhanga lateral sway. His arms sweep upward to chest level with fingers poised in an elegant, highly precise mudra configuration that originally simulated the holding and playing of a sacred bamboo flute, imbuing the solid metal with an incredible sense of musical motion and weightlessness. The detailing on this casting is exceptionally refined, featuring a cast neck collar and subtle armlets that highlight his slender, elongated proportions. His face projects an old-world meditative calm and joy, displaying stylized almond eyes, an integrated linear brow, and a serene, knowing smile beneath a high, tiered topknot crown (jatamukuta). The figure stands permanently cast upon an elaborate, dual-tiered integrated pedestal composed of a small circular platform resting upon a…