India – Mathura – Kushan period Terracotta Figure of...

White marble figure of Hārītī — Mathura, Kushan period — 2nd–3rd century CE. Description India, Mathura, Kushan period, 2nd–3rd century CE. Important Hārītī figure sculpted in the round in white marble. The deity is represented seated on a rectangular plinth, in a relaxed pose, with legs broadly bent. Both hands are joined in front of the chest in añjali mudrā, a gesture of respect and devotion. The face, full and harmoniously modelled, features almond-shaped eyes, gentle features and a subtle smile. The head is topped with a high coiffure, while the long hair flows down the back. The garment, treated with sobriety, crosses the torso and falls in broad folds over the legs. The sculpture is distinguished by the power of its volumes, the frontal nature of the composition, and the generous modelling of the body, characteristics of the sculptural vocabulary developed in northern India during the Kushan period. Hārītī holds an important place in early Buddhist iconography. Initially tied to the world of yakṣa and yakṣi, she becomes a protective deity associated with motherhood, fertility, abundance and the protection of children. Her cult developed particularly within the great artistic centers of northern India during the early centuries of our era. A small figure of a child seems to have originally been part of the composition and is now lost, which explains some gaps visible in the lower part. The sculpture retains an especially expressive ancient surface, with natural wear, deposits and inlays that emphasize the volumes and testify to its history. Provenance French private collection, formed between about 1980 and 2012. Then by lineage. European private collection. Dimensions Height: 29.5 cm Width: 9 cm Depth: 18 cm Weight: 6.396 kg Condition Good overall condition considering its age. Significant surface wear compatible with age, erosion, abrasions, small losses, deposits and inlays. Some residual traces of old coating or pigment are visible. Missing parts in the lower part of the composition and on certain edges of the base. A small figure of a child belonging most likely to the original composition is currently lost. The numerous high-resolution photographs as well as the video allow for precise examination of the condition and are an integral part of the description. dvideo link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mptmv2mgobux82jb02gka/ANzvw568Z57IHn-m0y50sgI?rlkey=0ung9gpsjcqyhia7ud3jgdsgx&dl=0

Estimate:$4,481.84

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