Important Notice

  Lot 4 of 26  

ANTIQUITIES AUCTION
1-2 NOVEMBER 2023
Estimate
Rs 80,000 - 1,00,000
$980 - 1,220


Winning Bid
Rs 84,000
$1,024
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

DETAILS

Standing Priest
North Kerala, 17th century
Bronze
Height: 4 in (10 cm)
Width: 1.5 in (4 cm)
Depth: 0.75 in (2 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

The sculpture is attached to an acrylic base measuring 0.25 x 1.5 x 1.5 in (1 x 4 x 4 cm)

PROVENANCE
Formerly in the Frei Collection, Switzerland
This folk bronze from North Kerala shows a priest standing with one hand resting on his hip. He wears a tight fitted dhoti and his earlobes are large and exaggerated. Although a simple piece, the impact of this miniature sculpture is commendable due to its bewildered expression. In typical folk tradition, a lot is conveyed using the simplest of elements. Unlike the later folk figures of this genre seen commonly, the features in this early example are more exaggerated. The patination is also a darker bronze and there is a marked confidence that the subject exudes.

Category: Antiquty