KALI WITH BIJA MANTRA
KANGRA,CIRCA 1820 Inscribed in Nagari on the front and further inscribed in Nagari on the reverse Gouache on paper heightened with gold Image: 9 x 5.5 in (23.2 x 14.4 cm) Folio: 11.75 x 8 in (29.9 x 20.9 cm) NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY PROVENANCE Property from a Distinguished Family Collection The Dasamahavidyas, literally translated as "ten great goddesses," are forms of the Supreme Goddess, Shakti. Kali is the first of these ten forms, and the fiercest aspect of the goddess. According to the Devi Mahatmaya, an ancient text scripted during the an ancient text scripted during the 5th-6th century, she was born from the brow of the Goddess Durga. Kali emerged during Durga's battle with the demon Raktabija, and according to legend, went on a killing spree and attempted to destroy everything on sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet putting an end to her rage. As seen in the present lot, the bones and skeleton strewn about the foreground are signs of her destructive power. Kali is depicted in this scene with eyes wide and tongue out in astonishment or anger, holding her four yantras, standing on the supine Shiva's chest. The conventional iconography of Kali paints her with a bluish-black complexion, four arms, and a necklace made of skulls, standing amidst cremation grounds. The reclined Shiva lying prostrate under the feet of Kali suggests that without the power of Kali (Shakti), Shiva is lifeless.
KANGRA,CIRCA 1820 Inscribed in Nagari on the front and further inscribed in Nagari on the reverse Gouache on paper heightened with gold Image: 9 x 5.5 in (23.2 x 14.4 cm) Folio: 11.75 x 8 in (29.9 x 20.9 cm) NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY PROVENANCE Property from a Distinguished Family Collection The Dasamahavidyas, literally translated as "ten great goddesses," are forms of the Supreme Goddess, Shakti. Kali is the first of these ten forms, and the fiercest aspect of the goddess. According to the Devi Mahatmaya, an ancient text scripted during the an ancient text scripted during the 5th-6th century, she was born from the brow of the Goddess Durga. Kali emerged during Durga's battle with the demon Raktabija, and according to legend, went on a killing spree and attempted to destroy everything on sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet putting an end to her rage. As seen in the present lot, the bones and skeleton strewn about the foreground are signs of her destructive power. Kali is depicted in this scene with eyes wide and tongue out in astonishment or anger, holding her four yantras, standing on the supine Shiva's chest. The conventional iconography of Kali paints her with a bluish-black complexion, four arms, and a necklace made of skulls, standing amidst cremation grounds. The reclined Shiva lying prostrate under the feet of Kali suggests that without the power of Kali (Shakti), Shiva is lifeless.
Lot
41
of
81
CLASSICAL INDIAN ART | LIVE AUCTION, MUMBAI
9 MARCH 2017
Estimate
Rs 7,00,000 - 9,00,000
$10,610 - 13,640
Kali With Bija Mantra