Bronze,
India, 11th / 12th century
H: 36 cm
This piece was most likely part of a larger shrine. The figure to the left is a tirthankara, a savior and spiritual leader of the dharma in Jainism, standing in Kayotsarga pose, meaning to dismiss the body, to give up physical comfort and movement. He is clothed in a dhoti with incised patterns, the eyes are closed in meditation. He is covered by a round canopy. In Jain Buddhist art most sculptures are either depicted in this archaic standing pose or sitting in padmasana or lotus position.
The consort to his left can be identified as Ganga, the river goddess and sister of Parvati, by her attributes: the flywhisk in her left hand and the water jar raised in her right hand. She can be consort to all three main gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The deity pair is framed by ornate pillars. Decorating the frame on her outer side is a delicately open-work with a seahorse-creature.