13th C. Indian Red Sandstone Head of Vishnu

Central Asia, eastern Pakistan or northern India, Punjab, ca. 13th to 15th century CE. A gorgeous pale red sandstone fragment depicting the head and shoulders of a god, probably Vishnu. The figure is carved to be nearly three-dimensional, almost separate from the rock behind it, with a large flower halo incised behind his head. He wears a tremendous headdress, large, round earrings, and a collection of necklaces carved to have individual beads that hang over his nude chest. Vishnu is a blue-skinned, four-armed deity central to Hinduism, who is often depicted wearing a headdress of tall, elongated conical or miter-like form. Hindu stone carving is a rare find from the Punjab region, where most of it was replaced by later cultures. Size: 4.2" L x 4.25" W x 7.2" H (10.7 cm x 10.8 cm x 18.3 cm); 8.6" H (21.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired over twenty years ago

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#122998
Condition Report: Piece is a fragment with losses as shown; nice remaining detail and some patina from touch.