Of the many Shiva themes depicted in Nepalese sculpture, most popular is that of the divine couple Shiva and Parvati. Noticeable in this sculpture are their worn foreheads and remnants of vermillion coloring that indicate this bronze was used as a domestic shrine object for generations. It is common practice in Nepal, as in India, to anoint the images daily with vermillion. Shiva occupies much of the marriage set, sitting in a relaxed and playful posture (lalitasana), the pleats of his wrapped skirt (dhoti) draping over the base. His two upper hands, now empty, would have held a trident and string of prayer beads. His primary right hand performs the gesture of fearlessness (abhayamudra) and the corresponding left hand supports the separately cast figure of Parvati. Adorned much like her husband, but without the single emblematic skull earring and crescent moon, Parvati sits on Shiva’s left thigh with her right leg pendent and her left folded across her right thigh. Her left hand gently rests on the knee and she sits back relaxed, passing an adoring glance at her partner. Despite the divinity of the subjects, the theme of this work is essentially human in flavor and is cast by Newar artists with much love and intimacy.