A PINK SANDSTONE BUST OF A CELESTIAL DEITY, CENTRAL INDIA, 12TH CENTURY
A PINK SANDSTONE BUST OF A CELESTIAL DEITY, CENTRAL INDIA, 12TH CENTURY
Expert's note
The particularly attractive surface of the pink sandstone is characterized by a naturally developed, tactile patina, most pronounced on the exposed areas of the sculpture. Over centuries, repeated handling and ritual touching have gently smoothed and polished these surfaces, creating a soft, almost lustrous quality that contrasts beautifully with the coarser texture preserved in the recessed areas. This distinctive interplay of ancient wear and granular stone surface is characteristic of genuinely aged sandstone sculpture.
India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 12th century. Finely carved with voluptuous breasts and richly adorned with layered necklaces and beaded jewelry, one strand falling elegantly down the chest. The serene face is marked by almond-shaped eyes beneath dramatically arched brows, a straight nose, and full lips forming a gentle smile. Her hair is elaborately arranged in finely incised rows, gathered above the forehead beneath a floral diadem and rising into a broad, rounded bun at the crown.
Provenance: An old French private collection and thence by descent. Christophe Joron-Derem, Paris, France, 16 December 2015, lot 353. A private collection in Paris, France, acquired from the above.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Ancient wear, obvious losses, extensive weathering, small nicks here and there, few structural fissures, and old restorations to nose and lips.
Weight: 5 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: 22.5 cm (excl. stand), 26.5 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted firmly on a modern metal stand. (2)
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related but larger sandstone female figure, Chandela period, 950-1310, in the New Orleans Museum of Art, accession number 94.324.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 September 2007, lot 75
Price: USD 32,200 or approx.
EUR 44,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A red sandstone bust of a goddess, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 12th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and similar figure, facial expression, hair, and size (22.2 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 19 September 2002, lot 60
Price: USD 9,560 or approx.
EUR 15,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small red sandstone bust of a celestial woman, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 11th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and similar figure, facial expression, hair, and size (22.2 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Estimate
Time, Location
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A PINK SANDSTONE BUST OF A CELESTIAL DEITY, CENTRAL INDIA, 12TH CENTURY
Expert's note
The particularly attractive surface of the pink sandstone is characterized by a naturally developed, tactile patina, most pronounced on the exposed areas of the sculpture. Over centuries, repeated handling and ritual touching have gently smoothed and polished these surfaces, creating a soft, almost lustrous quality that contrasts beautifully with the coarser texture preserved in the recessed areas. This distinctive interplay of ancient wear and granular stone surface is characteristic of genuinely aged sandstone sculpture.
India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 12th century. Finely carved with voluptuous breasts and richly adorned with layered necklaces and beaded jewelry, one strand falling elegantly down the chest. The serene face is marked by almond-shaped eyes beneath dramatically arched brows, a straight nose, and full lips forming a gentle smile. Her hair is elaborately arranged in finely incised rows, gathered above the forehead beneath a floral diadem and rising into a broad, rounded bun at the crown.
Provenance: An old French private collection and thence by descent. Christophe Joron-Derem, Paris, France, 16 December 2015, lot 353. A private collection in Paris, France, acquired from the above.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Ancient wear, obvious losses, extensive weathering, small nicks here and there, few structural fissures, and old restorations to nose and lips.
Weight: 5 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: 22.5 cm (excl. stand), 26.5 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted firmly on a modern metal stand. (2)
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related but larger sandstone female figure, Chandela period, 950-1310, in the New Orleans Museum of Art, accession number 94.324.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 September 2007, lot 75
Price: USD 32,200 or approx.
EUR 44,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A red sandstone bust of a goddess, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 12th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and similar figure, facial expression, hair, and size (22.2 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 19 September 2002, lot 60
Price: USD 9,560 or approx.
EUR 15,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small red sandstone bust of a celestial woman, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 11th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and similar figure, facial expression, hair, and size (22.2 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
