These bronze figures of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati, embody the grace and classicism reminiscent of Indian classical dance. Such images were produced using the cire perdue or lost-wax process, in the district of Thanjavur, the capital of the Chola kings. These bronze deity images wereproduced by strict adherence to the shilpa shastra or sculptor’s manuals and were made for worship during temple festivals. They were decorated, venerated and carried through the streets of the town.
