Important Notice

Chola Dynasty, 12th Century CE
Granite
Height: 40.5 in (102.9 cm)
Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY-NON-EXPORTABLE

Provenance: A Highly Important Private Collection, Mumbai


The magnificent Chola Dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu from the 10th to the 13th Century CE, and its rulers were famed for propagating the arts. Some of the most outstanding sculptures in metal and stone belong to this period, and the proportion, posture, expression and rhythm of these sculptures still stand unrivalled.

This beautiful Chola sculpture depicts Vaishnavi with four arms. She is the female aspect of Vishnu and one of the seven holy mothers, the Saptamatrika. She stands in Samabhanga, a pose that "is resorted to in order to show the divine being in...irrefutable calmness and inimitability" (Promsak Jermsawatdi, Thai Art with Indian Influences, Abhinav Publications, 1979, pg. 50). As seen often in a lot of early sculptures, she appears sombre, commanding respect from her devotees. In two of her hands, she holds the conch and discus, both of which are Vaishnavite attributes. Her left hand rests firmly on her hip. Her hair is seen flowing out from beneath the crown, and strings of flowers fall about her shoulders. Lavishly ornamented, she wears bracelets, armlets, chokers and other finery. The sculptor's meticulous detailing of textures and designs heightens this sculptures appeal and testifies to the unparalleled sophistication of the Chola period.

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