Description
Book Synopsis: The Sensuous and the Sacred focuses on the exquisite temple bronzes produced during the Chola period, a time of unparalleled creativity in the history of the Indian subcontinent. By the beginning of the tenth century, Hindu devotees began to visualize their deities as having public personas not unlike those of human monarchs. Worshipped as living entities, the deities participated in a variety of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rituals and festivities; to fulfill these functions, portable images were required. Thus were created the spectacular temple bronzes of south India.
For more than four hundred years, from the ninth to the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty was the dominant cultural, artistic, religious, and political force in south India. During the golden age of Chola rule, music and dance, poetry and drama, philosophy and religious thought, and the arts of sculpture, bronze-casting, jewelry-making, painting, and architecture reached new heights. The temple was the center of all activity, and the Cholas built and decorated some of the most impressive temples in south India. These were primarily Hindu, though Buddhist and Jain shrines were also supported by Chola royalty.
Details
Discover the mesmerizing world of Chola bronzes from South India with The Sensuous and the Sacred. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of these temple bronzes, which represent a time of unparalleled creativity in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Each bronze sculpture is a masterpiece, intricately crafted to bring the Hindu deities to life with a level of detail that will leave you in awe.
During the Chola period, Hindu devotees envisioned their deities with public personas comparable to human monarchs. As living entities, these deities participated in numerous rituals and festivities, requiring portable images. The temple bronzes of South India were born out of this necessity, serving as vessels for the divine presence. The craftsmanship and artistry displayed in these bronzes are a testament to the skill and dedication of the Chola dynasty.
For over four hundred years, from the ninth to the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty reigned as the dominant cultural, artistic, religious, and political force in South India. This golden age witnessed an explosion of creativity in various fields, including sculpture, bronze-casting, painting, and architecture. The temples built and adorned by the Cholas still stand as awe-inspiring monuments today, symbolizing the rich heritage and ingenuity of the region.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the beauty and significance of Chola bronzes firsthand. The Sensuous and the Sacred offers a unique glimpse into this extraordinary period in Indian history. Immerse yourself in the stories and legends that these bronzes depict, and be transported to a world where art and spirituality merge effortlessly.
Start your journey into the mesmerizing world of Chola bronzes today with The Sensuous and the Sacred. Uncover the secrets behind these awe-inspiring sculptures and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of South India.
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