8th C. Indian Pala Dynasty Stone Relief of Surya
South Asia, India, Pala Dynasty, ca. 8th to 10th century. This stone stele depicts the deity Surya (the supreme light), the principle solar deity of Hinduism who also represents the Sun in India and Nepal, and is traditionally thought to perpetuate time by riding across the skies. Surya holds open lotus blossoms in each hand, as lotus flowers are associated with this solar deity, because they bloom in sunlight. Surya is also flanked by two of his attendants, one of whom is bearded, standing in a tribanga position and donning much jewelry, as well as miniature depictions of apsaras (heavenly figures). Surya is highly decorated in a manner fit for this deity, bedecked with an elaborate crown, a diaphanous robe, a floral pectoral, and flowing strands of pearls or garlands rippling over his body. The figures are carved in high relief against the stele with a decorative foliated border delineated in bas relief at the lower end of the stele. Size: 15" W x 27.375" H (38.1 cm x 69.5 cm); 33.375" H (84.8 cm) on included custom stand.
According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, "Worship of the sun in an anthropomorphic form was probably introduced to India from ancient Iran. In medieval Hinduism Surya was sometimes identified with Vishnu, whose origins appear to be as a sun deity, the memory of which is preserved in his flaming wheel (cakra) and his vehicle, the sun bird Garuda."
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii USA, 1960 to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#162527
Condition Report: Losses to upper end and other peripheries. Chips and abrasions to high-pointed areas as shown. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Verso is uncarved. Set in a wooden stand that post-dates the statue.
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South Asia, India, Pala Dynasty, ca. 8th to 10th century. This stone stele depicts the deity Surya (the supreme light), the principle solar deity of Hinduism who also represents the Sun in India and Nepal, and is traditionally thought to perpetuate time by riding across the skies. Surya holds open lotus blossoms in each hand, as lotus flowers are associated with this solar deity, because they bloom in sunlight. Surya is also flanked by two of his attendants, one of whom is bearded, standing in a tribanga position and donning much jewelry, as well as miniature depictions of apsaras (heavenly figures). Surya is highly decorated in a manner fit for this deity, bedecked with an elaborate crown, a diaphanous robe, a floral pectoral, and flowing strands of pearls or garlands rippling over his body. The figures are carved in high relief against the stele with a decorative foliated border delineated in bas relief at the lower end of the stele. Size: 15" W x 27.375" H (38.1 cm x 69.5 cm); 33.375" H (84.8 cm) on included custom stand.
According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, "Worship of the sun in an anthropomorphic form was probably introduced to India from ancient Iran. In medieval Hinduism Surya was sometimes identified with Vishnu, whose origins appear to be as a sun deity, the memory of which is preserved in his flaming wheel (cakra) and his vehicle, the sun bird Garuda."
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii USA, 1960 to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#162527
Condition Report: Losses to upper end and other peripheries. Chips and abrasions to high-pointed areas as shown. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Verso is uncarved. Set in a wooden stand that post-dates the statue.
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