Central Asia, India, Karnataka (southwestern part of subcontinent), ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A wonderful wood panel depicting the relief of an erotic temple dancer, carefully hand-carved to display a slender waist, voluptuous breasts, and a sensual pose with her left arm on her hip, her right arm raised, and her head tilted to one side. Scantily clad, she wears fabric around her waist that hangs low, with a garland terminating in a flower in a suggestive location. This panel may have been part of a chariot, sometimes known as a ratha, that in southern India is still used in Hindu temple festivals. These tall, domed chariots are decorated extensively with painted wooden carvings and are pulled by horses or elephants. Size: 5.3" W x 13.5" H (13.5 cm x 34.3 cm); 14.4" H (36.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Harmer Rooke Gallery

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170970

Expected surface wear to wood from age as shown, with some remaining pigment on face and chest. A few stable fissures in areas. Brass hook on verso for suspension.