Standing on an unusual open work dais, this rare bronze image of Ravana features 10 heads cast into an oval shape and 20 arms. His costume features an open vest and a flared skirt ornately decorated with symbolic overplayed bronze patterns. A sword and shield are displayed in his primary arms. As the Hindu epic Ramayana's chief antagonist, Ravana was the demon king of Lanka who kidnapped Rama's wife Sita until Hanuman and his army of monkeys helped Rama win her release. Ravana represents evil to most Hindu, but represents bravery and struggles to the Dalits caste. 19/20th Century 12.25 inches. Provenance: Michael Backman, London.