A Pala-style blackened stone stele of Vishnu. Northeastern India, Bihar, possibly 12th century

A Pala-style blackened stone stele of Vishnu. Northeastern India, Bihar, possibly 12th century

Standing on a small double lotus pedestal, the main hands broken off, the other two hands holding gada and chacra, the body covered by sumptuous jewellery including a collier, bracelets, a hip girdle and garland, the head adorned by a high crown. Standing to the right Lashmi holding a flywhisk, and standing to the left Sarasvati with a vina (their face missing), behind both a small figure. The prabha displays lions, apsaras and lion mask at the top. On the plinth a short engraved inscription. Mounted on a wooden base.
Height 54 cm

Provenance

Private collection, Northern Germany