Interesting Bronze Relief Panel of the Wrathful Bhairab Deity

Bhairab or Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of the Hindu God Shiva. The literal translation of Bhairab is fearful or terrible, and he is sometimes known as the God of Death.  He is a punisher and defender of the timid who ensures that right is done.  He is an honest and loyal deity who protects his devotees from both external and internal enemies such as greed, lust, and anger.  His vehicle is a dog.

This fine Bhairab Relief Panel or Plaque is from my own collection.  The Bhairab is depicted in his typical wrathful form, with bared teeth, a crown of skulls, and flames in place of hair, including the eyebrows.  

It has been hand cast in bronze and was designed to hang on a wall.  It is difficult to determine the age of this unusual sculpture but I believe it to date from the late 19th or early 20th century.  It is in excellent condition and has an attractive reddish brown bronze colour.