Comments on: Bronzes at the Chennai Museum

By: injamaven

injamaven — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:43:26 +0000

fourth photo of the Melaperumballam Nataraja is especially beautiful!

By: venkatesh

venkatesh — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:24:28 +0000

There’s something odd about the proportions of the 18th century Nataraja (first photo) — the torso a little too long, the legs too short and lacking in musculature. My basis for comparison is Chola dynasty prototypes.
I too love the Thanjavur Shiva’s long hair!

By: Sriram

Sriram — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:29:31 +0000

seema – not sure but let me check in w/my folks back in madras and get back to you

By: Abha

Abha — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:51:24 +0000

Vivek, I don't know what's prompting these articles about Chennai, but I'm enjoying them very much!

The Government Museum is both a disappointment and a thrill at the same time. They have such incredible pieces, but the shabbiness of the place lets me down...

By: kidpoker666

kidpoker666 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:26:52 +0000

"can you do it from the US, or would you have to be in Tamil Nadu?"

Tamil Nadu. You have to be on the ground. Its an expedition. I've travelled extensively through rural India, you find the most amazing artists. I like to get face to face with the people making art. The places where cottage industry shoppers are afraid to go.

By: Vivek

Vivek — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:25:05 +0000

Your pictures have given me the impetus to go back again this year.

This made my day. Thanks!

It's a pity too that there's no eye-catching materials or guidebook that you can buy (other than some VERY dry, academic tomes) that would be a boon for the visitors who don't know much about the bronzes and their history, context, etc.

Indeed! The information I've provided for each figure was all that was available: Where it came from, and when it was made. There was hardly any information given as to what period, whether it was Chola or Pallava, how and why it differs from those around it, etc. The lack of context was generally disappointing.

By: Seema

Seema — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:55:46 +0000

Sriram, Any further thoughts on that? I have developed the desire to buy one only since being in the US–seeing them in “antiques shops”–and thinking–hey! I could get a better deal back in India. But, yeah, it’s not as if my familial home has one or anything–that’s an interesting insight you have. . . .

By: Sriram

Sriram — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:50:10 +0000

the smithsonian(sackler gal) ran a show on the chola style that you have photographed above a loong time ago-wonder if its the same. btw, dunno why but ppl generally refrain from buying nataraja statues themselves

By: Seema

Seema — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:36:45 +0000

Kidpoker–very interesting–any tips on that–can you do it from the US, or would you have to be in Tamil Nadu? I have started to look for a Nataraj in bronze, so any info. on a good deal most welcome!! My parents back in the desh aren’t very enterprising on this front! I want a nice piece for a good price (haha, unsurprisingly!).

By: kidpoker666

kidpoker666 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:20:49 +0000

http://www.bronzecreative.com/about_us.htm

fine work

However, I would rather go to the source and buy from the artist directly. The price would be considerably less and I would not have to pay middlemen.