Important Notice

RAJASTHAN, CIRCA 8TH/9TH CENTURY
Schist
27.25 in (69.5 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from an Important Family Collection

The sculpture depicts Lord Narayana, a manifestation of Vishnu, with his consort, Lakshmi, both with halos around their heads. Standing in samapada, Narayana holds a conch and probably a discus. Narayana's coiffure resembles a crown, and his soft facial features form a pleasing demeanour. His vestments and ornaments are meticulously detailed. Narayana's rear left hand embraces Lakshmi lovingly, who is carved with equal attention to detail.

Lakshmi's lower garment is secured with a belt. The sash draped around her lower body goes around her left arm, and each crease and fold is detailed with care. The sash, and Lakshmi's narrow waist, are features seen in sculptures from the early period. Standing in samapada, Lakshmi holds a rosary in her right hand, and a water pot in her left. The water pot was an attribute characteristic of early sculptures of Lakshmi, and was later replaced by other attributes. To Lakshmi's right is a bow, an uncommon attribute. The sculpture is carved in high relief, and is a rare and early example of its type. The grouping closely corresponds with early representations of Shiva Parvati and various elements can be interpreted for both iconographies.

RAJASTHAN, CIRCA 8TH/9TH CENTURY
Schist
27.25 in (69.5 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from an Important Family Collection

The sculpture depicts Lord Narayana, a manifestation of Vishnu, with his consort, Lakshmi, both with halos around their heads. Standing in samapada, Narayana holds a conch and probably a discus. Narayana's coiffure resembles a crown, and his soft facial features form a pleasing demeanour. His vestments and ornaments are meticulously detailed. Narayana's rear left hand embraces Lakshmi lovingly, who is carved with equal attention to detail.

Lakshmi's lower garment is secured with a belt. The sash draped around her lower body goes around her left arm, and each crease and fold is detailed with care. The sash, and Lakshmi's narrow waist, are features seen in sculptures from the early period. Standing in samapada, Lakshmi holds a rosary in her right hand, and a water pot in her left. The water pot was an attribute characteristic of early sculptures of Lakshmi, and was later replaced by other attributes. To Lakshmi's right is a bow, an uncommon attribute. The sculpture is carved in high relief, and is a rare and early example of its type. The grouping closely corresponds with early representations of Shiva Parvati and various elements can be interpreted for both iconographies.