Bronze Shiva Mukhalinga From Andhra Pradesh - 18th Century Earrings The design a typical of

The design a typical of Shandong Province

This piece is at at least 18th century and the painting style is textured which was uncommon to find on early chests

The central theme is a stylised eight faceted jewel (chintamani) which has eight magical qualities

Dating from the 1920's

5 x 17 x 6

Bronze Shiva Mukhalinga From Andhra Pradesh - 18th Century Earrings The design a typical ofThis excellent 18th century bronze head of Shiva is a mukhalinga, literally translating to 'lingam with a face'. Lingams are phallic eggs and the non representational form of Shiva, one of the three most prominent gods of Hinduism. Shiva is The Destroyer who demolishes in order for the world to be created anew. Originally mukhalingas were carved lingam, however in the 18th century, they came to be covers for lingam stones, believed to preserve the