Important Notice

  Lot 5 of 24  

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES
28-29 NOVEMBER 2012
Estimate
Rs 75,000 - 1,25,000
$1,500 - 2,500


Winning Bid
Rs 1,50,000
$3,000
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

DETAILS

Saraswati
Black Schist
11th Century

Western India

Length: 20.5 in (52.1 cm)
This is an elegant stone sculpted portion of a 'torana' or frieze that depicts Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and the Arts, as the central figure. She is seen seated in the 'lalitasana' posture within an arch with pillars on either side. She holds a veena and a lotus bud in her upper hands. Her lower left hand holds holy scriptures, while her lower right hand probably held a rosary. Saraswati wears an elaborate crown or 'mukuta'. Her head is slightly tilted to one side. She has a beautiful face. A dharma-chakra or wheel is seen below Saraswati, with a deer seated on each side, being a symbol of Jain iconography.

Elephants are seen emerging from either side of the Devi, and she is further flanked by winged lions with bulging eyes and lolling tongues. Lions appearing on the pedestal symbolize the 'chakravartin' status of a Jina, and are commonly seen in Jain sculptures on the pada-pitha. Yakshi-Ambika, a mother Goddess for protection, is seen standing to the extreme right, holding a child in her arms. Another Yakshi is seen standing to the left. This sculpture bears a dedicatory inscription, running across the top of the frieze. The lovely subject, the three-dimensional elephants, and the polished stone make it an appealing work.

Saraswati

Category: Antiquty