Antique South Indian Bronze Krishna Venugopala Flute Player Statue 12" For Sale

A beautifully poised antique South Indian figure of Krishna as Venugopala, the divine flute player, cast in a substantial copper-rich bronze alloy. Krishna stands in the classic crossed-ankle pose with both hands raised in the traditional flute-playing position, wearing an elaborate tiered crown, layered jewelry, pleated dhoti, and finely detailed ornaments. The figure rests on a molded lotus pedestal and has a warm, naturally aged dark-brown surface with softly rubbed highlights.

Specifics:

• Subject: Krishna as Venugopala

• Origin: South India, likely Tamil Nadu or Karnataka tradition

• Date: Late 19th to early 20th century, approximately 1880–1925

• Material: Copper-alloy bronze

• Technique: Traditional lost-wax casting with hand-finished details

• Height: Just under 12 inches

• Weight: Approximately 5 lb 6.7 oz

• Base: Hollow, open underside

• Hands remain positioned to hold the original separately inserted flute

• No visible maker’s mark or inscription

• From the estate of a knowledgeable dealer and specialist collector of Asian and Himalayan art who traveled extensively throughout India, Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayan region. No written purchase documentation accompanies the figure.

Condition:

Good antique condition with age-related surface wear, scattered deposits, rubbing to raised details, and minor casting irregularities. The separately inserted flute is absent, as is common with surviving Venugopala figures. A small circular casting pit is present on the abdomen. No major cracks, structural breaks, or obvious repairs were observed. The figure appears stable. Please review all photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description.

The flute may be gone, but Krishna has held the pose beautifully for well over a century.

Keywords: antique Krishna statue, Venugopala bronze, Venugopal figure, South Indian bronze, Tamil Nadu sculpture, Hindu devotional art, flute playing Krishna, Indian religious statue, lost wax bronze, copper alloy deity, antique Asian art, lotus pedestal