This carved wooden standing Nandi from Tamil Nadu has been recently restored with paint and gold leaf. Nandi is the sacred white bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle (vahana) of Lord Shiva. Nandi symbolises moral and religious duty, but also virility, fertility and strength. This Nandi is decorated with multiple gold leaf covered necklaces, anklets and a gold harness. Across his back is an orange blanket painted with a large flower in the centre, four flowers in the corners, and a floral and curved vine border. This Nandi has a wonderful playful expression in this piece as he licks his nose.