Antique Javanese Style Bronze Dancing Shiva statue as Lord Nataraja - 26cm(10") Tall

Shiva Statue - Antique Javanese Style Bronze Dancing Shiva statue as Lord Nataraja - 26cm(10") Tall

Measures (Height) 26cm/10"

An antique Javanese style dancing Shiva, as Lord Nataraja, in 13th century Majapahit style with Trident or Trishul. The Trishul symbolizes Shiva’s power, the three gunas, and the destruction of ignorance.

A Shiva Nataraja statue already compresses an entire universe of symbolism into one dynamic image—Shiva dancing within a handful of fire, creating, preserving and dissolving the cosmos. When Nataraja also holds a trident (trishul), another layer of meaning is added, emphasising Shiva’s fierce compassion, his mastery over time and nature, and his power to cut through ignorance and suffering.

Here Shiva is depicted as the divine dancer and Lord of the dramatic arts. With perfect balance and proportions the sculpture depicts Shiva as Lord Nataraja, in traditional pose.

Shiva dances with his body poised in a complex yet perfectly balanced rhythm.

• The drum (damaru) in one hand symbolises creation and the primal sound of the universe.

• The flame (agni) in another represents destruction and transformation.

This dance expresses Shiva’s five cosmic acts: creation, preservation, destruction, concealment and grace. The Trident intensifies this vision—declaring who the dancer is: not only a cosmic artist, but the Lord whose power pervades all three worlds.

In Shaiva tradition, the Trident (Trishul) is inseparable from Shiva. Even outside the Nataraja form, he is commonly shown with a trident planted beside him or held in his hand. The three‑pronged spear is rich in layered symbolism:

• It expresses Shiva’s unlimited power as creator, preserver and destroyer.

• It signifies his lordship over the three worlds—earth, atmosphere and heaven.

• It embodies his ability to pierce and dissolve the three impurities: egoism (anava), attachment (pasha) and delusion (maya).

When that same trident appears in the hands of Nataraja, it ties the fluid movements of the dance directly to Shiva’s role as the one who cuts away ignorance and restores cosmic balance.

His body, fingers, ankles, neck, face, head, ear lobes and dress are decorated and bejewelled.

Shiva is backed by an ornate aureole, symbolising his divinity.

The dynamism of the energetic dancing of Shiva, is offered in classic Majapahit stye. Shiva is dressed in a simple robe, with a sash tied around his waist and is wearing a number of pieces of ornate jewellery, including crown and earrings.

His hair is piled in a tripartite chignon decorated with a cockade and is discretely adorned with only a necklace, diamond shaped earrings, a Yajnopavita (Scared Brahmanical thread) and a single bangle on each wrist.

As the destroyer, Shiva is regarded as limitless, transcendent and unchanging. Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts. Shiva is part of the Hindu holy trimurti which includes Brahma and Vishnu.

For someone who brings such a statue into their home, studio or shrine, the Nataraja Shiva holding a trident can serve as a layered reminder:

• The universe is in constant rhythmic change (the dance and ring of fire).

• Ignorance and ego may seem powerful, but they are ultimately small enough to be danced upon.

• True transformation requires both graceful acceptance and sharp discernment—the soft gesture of blessing and the piercing clarity of the trident.

Placed thoughtfully—as in many interiors and collections shaped with guidance from HDAsianArt.com—a trident bearing Nataraja becomes more than a striking sculpture. It becomes a compact teaching: that the same energy which creates and destroys the worlds also works within us, cutting away what binds and inviting us to dance more freely in the fire of change.

This traditional in appearance sculpture is sure to add a unique touch to your home, work or sacred space. We have other Hindu statues available. Please email for details.

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