Mid Century Indian Bronze Statue Dancing Girl Metal Antique

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Approximate dimensions: height 19 inch x Width 6 inch x Depth 6 inch

Indian Bronze Alloy Standing Figure. The figure … Read more Approximate dimensions: height 19 inch x Width 6 inch x Depth 6 inch

Indian Bronze Alloy Standing Figure. The figure depicts a classic pose shown in a relaxed contrapposto stance with one leg raised, standing on a lotus base. The figure is adorned with jewelry and a patterned lower garment, with one hand raised in a gesture and the other held near the torso.

The "removing a thorn from the foot" pose in Indianclassical art and dance, often referred to as Shubhagamini or a variant of the Shalabhanjika (tree nymph/maiden) motif, is a classic depiction of feminine grace, sensuality, and vulnerability. It is famously sculpted on the walls of the 13th-century Ramappa Temple in Telangana and the Hoysala-era Chennakeshava Temple in Belur.

details regarding this pose in the context of Indian classical dance and iconography:
1. Iconography and Symbolism (Madanika/Surasundari)
The maiden (Madanika or Surasundari) is depicted standing, often in a Tribhanga (three-bend) pose, lifting one leg to reach for her heel to remove a thorn.
Symbolism:
Vulnerability & Love: It represents a Nayika (heroine) who has paused during her journey to meet her lover, symbolizing the struggles or obstacles (thorns) she faces.
Sensuality: It is considered an Alasakanya (lazy or playful maiden) pose, highlighting feminine beauty and, in some cases, sensuality.
2. Connection to Bharatanatyam
While the pose is primarily famous in sculpture, it translates into Bharatanatyam through:
Abhinaya (Expression): Dancers use this pose to portray pain, hesitation, and focus, often in Padamsor Javalis (love poems) where the heroine is on her way to meet her lover.
Margam (Repertoire): It is sometimes incorporated into the choreography of a Varnam or as part of the nritta (pure dance) to showcase flexibility and balance.
Statuesque Poses: In traditional Bharatanatyam, this pose demonstrates the ability to create, in the words of dancer Lakshmi Vishwanathan, a "statuesque" visual—a momentary pause that mimics the perfection of temple sculptures.

3. Key Physical Elements
Leg Lift: The foot is raised towards the hip or back, requiring high flexibility in the hips and hamstrings.
Balance: The weight is shifted entirely onto the standing leg, often in a slight Araimandi (half-sit) or straight-legged position.
Facial Expression: The face shows a mix of pain and concentration.

This pose is part of the broader, rich sculptural tradition of Surasundaris or Nartakis (dancing maidens) that have influenced the postures and aesthetic of South India, Deccan See less