Indian Stone Head Fragment
Carved Black Stone Vaishnavite Head Fragment
Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, India
10th-11th century
height: 7cm, height with stand: 12cm
This finely carved head would have been attached to the body of an aspara or divinity which would have been one of two on either side of pediment probably carved with an image of Vishnu or avatars of Vishnu. The aspara’s head is finely rendered and wears a jewelled diadem, large hoop earrings and her hair in a low bun which is also bejewelled.
The head fragment is very decorative particularly with directional lighting.
The fragment is stable and includes a custom-made stand. Its significant age is obvious from the wear and softened contours of the piece.
References
Alam, M.S., et al, Chefs-d’Oeuvre du Delta gu Gange: Collections des Musees du Bangladesh, Musee Guimet, 2007.
Dye, J.M.,
The Arts of India: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Philip Wilson Publishers, 2001.
Guy, J.,
Indian Temple Sculpture, V&A Publications, 2007.
Michell, G.,
et al, In the Image of Man: The Indian Perception of the Universe through 20000 Years of Painting and Sculpture, Arts Council of Great Britain, 1982.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 3077
SOLD
