Nut-Cutter
Vizagapatam (India)
late 18th Century
Overall Length: 150mm
A beautiful late 18th century bronze betel nut-cutter from South India. In the form of a celestial female, or ‘Apsara’, the cutter handles represent her legs and wings. A simple but elegant head and face, with large eyes, a rear hair-bun, and centre hair parting, characteristic of Vizagapatam bronze figures.
When the cutter is closed and at rest, she holds her folded hands, anjali-mudra, out in front, in supplication to a supreme being. When the cutter is opened the object comes to life, and the top handle rises as if her wings have opened; her hands rise to her fore-head as if she is accepting a blessing bestowed upon her from her lord.
