A STONE FRAGMENT OF WORSHIPPERS VENERATING THE BODHI TREE, SATAVAHANA PERIOD
Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, 1st century AD. Well carved with many worshippers wearing dhotis and turbans as well as large earrings, each with their hands clasped together in front of the chest, looking toward the thick bodhi tree incised with a beast-like symbol.

Provenance: Arturo Schwarz, Milan, Italy, 1997. Collection of Leonardo Vigorelli, Bergamo, acquired from the above. Arturo Schwarz (1924-2021) was an Italian scholar, art historian, poet, writer, lecturer, art consultant and curator of international exhibitions. He lived in Milan, where he amassed a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, including many works by personal friends such as Marcel Duchamp, Andre Breton, Man Ray, and Jean Arp. In 1975, Schwarz started working as curator and writer, writing extensive publications on the work of Marcel Duchamp, as well as books and numerous essays on the Kabbalah, Tantrism, alchemy, prehistoric and tribal art, and Asian art and philosophy. His 1977 book on Man Ray's works and life was the first to reveal Ray's real name.
Condition: Displaying well, condition overall as expected and commensurate with age. Extensive wear, losses, signs of weathering and erosion, structural cracks, minor nicks. Solid. Naturally grown patina.

Dimensions: Height 57 cm (excl. stand) and 59 cm (incl. stand)

Mounted on an associated metal stand. (2)

Literature comparison: Compare a related limestone carving, dated to the 2nd century, in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number 1970.43. Compare a related limestone carving, dated to the 3rd century, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, accession number 2000.64.