A SANDSTONE BUST OF A VIDYADHARA, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, 11TH-12TH CENTURY
A SANDSTONE BUST OF A VIDYADHARA, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, 11TH-12TH CENTURY
India. Finely carved, the youthful celestial figure depicted with a broad chest and gently flexed torso, richly adorned with multiple beaded necklaces and a long garland descending across the bare upper body. The sensitively modeled face bears a serene expression, with heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a slender aquiline nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile. The rounded cheeks are framed by large floral earrings and luxuriant locks of hair, gathered beneath an elaborate foliate diadem centered by a floral medallion.
Provenance: From a private European collection.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Obvious losses, small chips, old restorations to the nasal bridge and left eyelid, signs of weathering and erosion, and encrustations.
Weight: 19 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 42 cm (excl. stand), 54 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted on an associated stand. (2)
Vidyadhara ('wisdom-holders') are a group of supernatural beings in Indian religions who possess magical powers. In Hinduism, they also attend Shiva, who lives in the Himalayas. They are considered Upadevas, or demi-gods. In the Hindu epics, Vidyadhara are described as essentially spirits of the air. They are described as doing different activities in the epics like gazing at human prowess with astonishment, strewing flowers watching a combat, rejoicing with music and laughter, crowned with wreaths and fleeing with their wives from danger. They possess great magical powers like the ability to diminish their size. They are endowed with epithets describing them as 'doers of good and devoted to joy'.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related sandstone figure of a Vidyadhara, Madhya Pradesh, dated to the 11th century, in the Musée Guimet, Paris. Compare a related sandstone figure of a celestial dancer, Madhya Pradesh, dated to the mid-11th century, formerly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 September 2007, lot 75
Price: USD 32,200 or approx.
EUR 45,500 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 decoration and headdress. Note the smaller size (22.2 cm).
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30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
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A SANDSTONE BUST OF A VIDYADHARA, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, 11TH-12TH CENTURY
India. Finely carved, the youthful celestial figure depicted with a broad chest and gently flexed torso, richly adorned with multiple beaded necklaces and a long garland descending across the bare upper body. The sensitively modeled face bears a serene expression, with heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a slender aquiline nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile. The rounded cheeks are framed by large floral earrings and luxuriant locks of hair, gathered beneath an elaborate foliate diadem centered by a floral medallion.
Provenance: From a private European collection.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Obvious losses, small chips, old restorations to the nasal bridge and left eyelid, signs of weathering and erosion, and encrustations.
Weight: 19 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 42 cm (excl. stand), 54 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted on an associated stand. (2)
Vidyadhara ('wisdom-holders') are a group of supernatural beings in Indian religions who possess magical powers. In Hinduism, they also attend Shiva, who lives in the Himalayas. They are considered Upadevas, or demi-gods. In the Hindu epics, Vidyadhara are described as essentially spirits of the air. They are described as doing different activities in the epics like gazing at human prowess with astonishment, strewing flowers watching a combat, rejoicing with music and laughter, crowned with wreaths and fleeing with their wives from danger. They possess great magical powers like the ability to diminish their size. They are endowed with epithets describing them as 'doers of good and devoted to joy'.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related sandstone figure of a Vidyadhara, Madhya Pradesh, dated to the 11th century, in the Musée Guimet, Paris. Compare a related sandstone figure of a celestial dancer, Madhya Pradesh, dated to the mid-11th century, formerly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 September 2007, lot 75
Price: USD 32,200 or approx.
EUR 45,500 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 decoration and headdress. Note the smaller size (22.2 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
