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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ancient Art / inde red sandstone Relief in red sandstone depicting a Shaivite guardian
Important architectural relief in red sandstone depicting a Shaivite guardian, probably Bhairava North India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 8th–9th century Important and powerful architectural relief in red sandstone representing a Shaivite deity with four arms, probably Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, depicted in a slightly tribhanga posture. The deity holds in his upper right hand a trishula (trident), one of Shiva’s major attributes, while the upper left hand presents a multi-headed naga. The lower left hand supports a kapala, or skull-cap. The remarkable association of the trident, serpent and skull-cap firmly places this figure in the Shaivite iconographic sphere and strongly supports its identification as Bhairava or a guardian manifestation closely linked to Shiva. The figure is richly adorned with jewelry: a pearl necklace, armbands, bracelets and large earrings. An upavita, or sacred cord, crosses diagonally the chest. The body, powerful yet supple, is treated with remarkable economy of means, while the face shows an especially serene expression: almond-shaped eyes with lowered lids, strongly arched brows, lips forming a slight smile and an exceptionally dense beard composed of small carefully sculpted curls. The elaborate coiffure, composed of tresses swept up and arranged into a substantial ascetic mass, further reinforces the Shaivite character of the figure. Despite the fearsome aspect commonly associated with Bhairava, iconographic sources also attest to depictions of the god imbued with calm majesty. This trait is particularly interesting here, where the powerfully Shaivite attributes contrast with the deep serenity of the face. The sculpture was likely not intended to be an independent cult image. The substantial thickness of the block, the largely rough reverse, and the irregular breaks on the sides indicate that it originally belonged to an architectural ensemble of a temple, probably a wall, a niche, or a sculptural program related to a monumental entrance. This interpretation finds a particularly relevant parallel in Stella Kramrisch, Manifestations of Shiva, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1981, no. 76, which publishes a fragment of a Shaivite guardian (dvarapala) in red sandstone, from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh and dated to the 8th century. Kramrisch relates this guardian to an architectural panel representing the river goddess Ganga and notes that these sculptures belonged to the same monumental complex. This parallel provides an important point of comparison for the architectural function, material, region and chronology of the present sculpture. Provenance: Former private collection of Jean-Marc Andral, Belgium. Acquired on the local art market in Rajasthan, India, in October 1990. A provenance statement written and signed by Jean-Marc Andral, dated July 21, 2024, accompanies the sculpture. Material: red sandstone Origin: North India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh Dating: 8th–9th century Height: 34 cm excluding base Weight: 13.8 kg excluding base Weight with base: 20.9 kg Condition: Very good overall condition given the age and archaeological nature of the piece. Significant traces of wear and ancient erosion, losses, chips and scattered small jolts, concretions and surface alterations. Several parts are fragmentary, notably at the extremities of the relief, in keeping with its ancient architectural function. Surfaces, breaks and worn areas are visible in detail in the numerous photographs and must be examined carefully to fully assess the conservation state. Documentation: A detailed comparative and iconographic study devoted to this sculpture, including bibliographic research, museum comparisons, iconographic study and analysis of architectural function, accompanies the lot. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8t8uls4zfn0h6l3urc1g5/AADg5dbUhjHb6fA_lzKyXIM?rlkey=yaj24zitl5pwtk6t7cqwku7dx&dl=0
Estimate:$9,061.56
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Estimate:
$9,061.56
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