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Lot 7 Details
Select Indian Antiquities & Collectibles. 18 Apr-1 May 2013
Female Torso
Granite12th Century...
View Dimensions The powerful Chola Dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu from the 10th to the 13th century A.D. The Empire was magnificent and spread from the islands of the Maldives up to the banks of the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from being great conquerors, the Chola kings were also dedicated patrons of the arts and had outstanding aesthetic sensibilities. Under their rule, some of the most exceptional sculptures in metal and stone were created. Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola also built spectacular temples. The proportion, posture, expression and rhythm of sculptures of this period still stand unrivalled. Today collectors the world over realize the rarity of sculptures of this period, and are always looking to acquire the few available, surviving examples which are reminiscent of this great ancient civilization.This beautiful lady's torso is a fine example of the skilled craftsmanship that prevailed in the Chola kingdom. The figure is four handed and stands in the samabhanga posture. In this pose, both legs are held straight. The fact that the sculpture has stood witness to several centuries is visible in the condition of the attributes; the head and hands are also lost. However, the beauty that remains is beyond compare. The manner in which the body shape is contoured is spectacular. A large choker necklace decorates the neck. The breasts are small and firm and the waist is slim. The hips are shown full and rounded. A yajnopavita or sacred thread flows down artistically over the body. The waist ornament has great detailing and the lower garment is a thin fabric that clings to the body, taking the shape of the knee, with its creases flowing out symmetrically. The anklets and toe rings are also carved in great detail. One cannot fail to imagine what kind of a beauty this figure would have been in full.The finest of torsos like this one have long excited the sensibilities of passionate collectors with great taste. The full three-dimensional body and fine detailing point out that this piece must have been the work of one of the master carvers of the Chola regime. Going by South Indian iconography, after studying the posture and hands we can conclude that the subject would most likely have been Durga, one of the most important Devis or goddesses in Hindu mythology.
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Lot 28 Details
Krishen Khanna: The Last Man Standing. 29 Apr-21 May 2022
Untitled
Bronze
View Dimensions Height: 24.75 in (63 cm) Width: 24.5 in (62 cm) Depth: 21.25 in (54 cm)
Lot 30 Details
View Dimensions Height: 14.75 in (37.4 cm) Width: 14.5 in (37 cm) Depth: 11.75 in (30 cm)
Lot 2 Details
Jewels from South India. 12 Apr-1 May 2014
AN EXCEPTIONAL...
Designed as a crescent moon, set with...
View Dimensions Gross Weight: 26.55 grams approximatelyCirca: 1920's
Lot 4 Details
Jina Parsvanatha
Greenish Schist11th Century...
View Dimensions Parsavanatha is the twenty-third Jaina Tirthankara, born in Varanasi. Tirthankaras are spiritual conquerors; they were guides or ford-makers. This sculpture is a powerful example, depicting Parsavanatha standing in the Kayotasarga posture. He is bereft of clothes, and stands on the coiled tail of the serpent. His dark-hued body along with the sinuous multi-hooded serpent, his symbol offering protection over his head, gives this sculpture a strong aura. The body of the serpent is coiled and can be partially seen behind that of the Jina. This sculpture has a very masculine, well-modeled and strong body. The shoulders are broad, the chest is thrust out and the waist is slim. His long arms hang by the sides of his powerful body. His face is rounded and serene, and his lips are curved in a faint smile denoting inner peace. Most Jain and Buddhist sculptures of this early period are usually in very poor condition with the facial expressions tending to get completely worn off over time. This sculpture not only has the face and features intact, but is also a radiant and typical example. The whole composition has a very serene and peaceful aura.
Lot 51 Details
Equus: Paintings and Sculptures. 4-18 July 2024
View Dimensions Height: 12 in (30.5 cm) Width: 17 in (43.2 cm) Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
MY SKETCHBOOK IN COLOUR - KRISHEN KHANNA . 13-21 September 2024
Mixed media on paper
54 x 33 in
Lot 3 Details
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