4th C. Indian Gupta Stone Carving of Viyala

**Originally Listed At $900**

Central Asia, India, Gupta Dynasty, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A delightful carving of a viyala, a mythical creature, from brown sandstone, with one paw raised in an almost anthropomorphic pose. This appears to have been an architectural element, perhaps put into a high corner to look down at the viewer, based on where the artist has chosen to put the most details - indeed, one side is barely carved, likely made to be set back into a wall. The creature wears a carved jewel on its forehead and has sensuous, curving lines forming its eyes. One horn is still visible, curving down the side of the head. The ears are small and perky and there are incised details to create the impression of a muzzle with whiskers as well as thick fur round the neck. Size: 4" W x 7.5" H (10.2 cm x 19 cm); 11.7" H (29.7 cm) on included custom stand.

The Gupta period is sometimes referred to as India's Golden Age, when imperial patronage allowed the arts to flourish; it had a great influence on subsequent periods, like that of the Pala Empire and Kashmir. Gupta's refined artistic forms are characterized by fluid, almost whimsical carving, with gentle curves and a geometric attention to symmetry and shape.

Provenance: ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990's

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#144307
Condition Report: Piece is a fragment as shown. Part of the horn and very top of the head is lost. Nicely preserved details, especially on the face.