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Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century

About the Item

A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two attendants, Central India, 10th-11th century. Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of love, wealth and prosperity, is portrayed seated between two columns upon a raised pedestal in lalitasana, the royal ease pose, with one leg crossed in front of her, the other hanging pendant. Depicted in her four armed form, Lakshmi holds stylized lotus blossoms in each of her upraised hands. In her lower hand, she holds a treasure vase, said to contain unlimited wealth. Her other hand, now missing, would have been performing varada mudra, the gesture of bestowing favors and fulfilling wishes. Lakshmi's benevolent face is set with large almond shaped eyes that gaze kindly outwards. A gentle smile plays across her mouth, the corners of her lips upturned in a coy manner. Large earrings frame her face, her hair in a high, tiered chignon adorned with ribbons. Her voluptuous body is adorned with jewels. Her bare torso, with idealized, oversized breasts, is festooned with garlands and necklaces. Flanking Lakshmi are two female attendants and another pair of columns. The attendants are posed in tribhanga, the thrice bent position. Each holds a lotus blossom aloft, one of Lakshmi's attributes. Carved in extremely high relief from a single block of pink/buff sandstone, this frieze would originally have been part of an Indian Hindu temple wall, and bears some similarities to sculpture from the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, when viewing the sculpture from a distance, the stone appears pink. When closeup, the stone appears buff with pink veins running through it. The back of hewn sandstone, unfinished. Mounted on a custom metal stand. Provenance: Ring Collection, Austin TX Xanadu Gallery, San Francisco, 1999 Dimensions of frieze only: W 28.5", D 8", H 15.75".
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
  • Style:
    Medieval (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    10th-11th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. An architectural fragment in very good condition for age. With old, scattered losses, most notably to Lakshmi's pendant leg and associated arm/hand. Also with some loss to the headdress and the corners of the sculpture.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894717784222
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