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Lot 31
 
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DANCING LADY







  Lot 31 of 55  

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES & MINIATURE PAINTINGS
25-26 APRIL 2012

Estimate



Winning Bid
Rs 49,500
$990

(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)


DETAILS

Dancing Lady

Terracotta
1st - 2nd Century B.C.E.

Shunga Dynasty
Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh

Height: 4 in (10.2 cm)
This figurine echoes the idiom of stone sculptures of this time period, under the Sunga Dynasty. It was during this period that feminine grace was epitomised in the form of Yakshis, or semi divine spirits that signified fertility. So supreme was their power that a mere touch of their hands to a tree would cause it to flower and bear fruit.

In this figurine, which has been hand modeled, we see the female form in graceful contortion; the body twists at the waist, while the feet are turning around, thrusting her breasts forward. Her proper right arm seems to hold a branch of a tree, and the left arm is also raised up. Her head is bent forward, enhancing the rhythmic movement of her body. Although the passage of time has worn out the finer details of the piece, the inherent beauty and movement have been captured lucidly.

This piece almost seems like a forerunner to the iconic Shalbhanjika Yakshi on the torana (gateway) of the Sanchi Stupa.

Dancing Lady

Category: Antiquty


 









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