Important Notice

  Lot 39 of 55  

INDIAN ANTIQUITIES & MINIATURE PAINTINGS
25-26 APRIL 2012
Estimate
Rs 3,00,000 - 4,00,000
$6,000 - 8,000


Winning Bid
Rs 3,00,600
$6,012
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

DETAILS

Simha-Vyala

Pink Sandstone
11th Century

Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Height: 34 in (86.4 cm)
Lionel figures or 'shardulas' are generally portrayed in Indian temple architectural work. Such a feline is a symbol of protection, strength and virility. The form changes slightly as one proceeds from Central to South India. They appear as load bearing struts in the corners of the temple chariots of Tamil Nadu, and also as highly decorative figures standing on their hind feet as outer temple wall sculptures, appearing intermittently along with figures of lions rearing over the body of an elephant. At times, they are also seen bearing a tiny warrior on their back.

This light coloured stone lion figure originates from Central India. The sculpture is in high relief. It achieves a harmonious balance between supple form and linear rhythm. The figure stands gracefully on one foot, while the other foot is raised and resting on a floral motif. The upper body takes a twist and the face turns the other way. One paw goes towards its mouth. The eyes are bulbous and nostrils flaring. The mane falls in stepped locks from a collar. Its mouth is slightly parted with the tongue clearly visible.

This sculpture is comparable to another pair of Shardulas illustrated in the book, Art of the Indian Subcontinent from Los Angeles Collections, by J. Leroy Davidson, published by UCLA and the Ward Ritchie Press in 1968.

Simha-Vyala

Category: Antiquty