Important Notice

MADHYA PRADESH OR UTTAR PRADESH, 11TH - 12TH CENTURY
Sandstone
13.75 in (34.7 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from an Eminent Family Collection


The Chandela Dynasty ruled over much of what is now Central India, from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Best known for the Khajuraho temple, Chandela sculpture has been called "poetry in stone." The crown atop the head of Vishnu in the present lot, is a striking example of the extravagant and intricate detailing which characterises Chandela artistry. Carved in high-relief, the ornamentation on the crown is elaborate and organic, capturing the unrivalled skill and imagination of master sculptors. Other typical facial features are "half-open, and sometimes, drooping eyes" and each eyebrow "designed in a long beautiful line with raised ridges - terminating near the root of the nose." (O C Gangoly and A Goswamy eds., The Art of the Chandelas, Calcutta: Rupa & Co, 1957, p. 25)

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