South Asia, India, Odisha (Orissa) Province, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An elegant figure of the Hindu god Krishna depicted as a young man, skillfully hand-sculpted from black stone and burnished to a lustrous sheen. Wearing only a langot, the graceful figure presents a slender body with a narrow waist and sloped shoulders as he lifts both arms to his right side as though playing the flute. His legs are posed in a position suggestive of dancing with his right leg stepping before his left. Gazing forth from elongated eyes, the tranquil deity displays a jovial visage with a pointed nose and a gentle smile. A petite bun caps his head, balancing just above his naturalistically rendered ears. Size: 4.6" W x 9.3" H (11.7 cm x 23.6 cm); 11.2" H (28.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Krishna is one of the major deities of Hinduism, an avatar of Vishnu, god of compassion, tenderness, and love. The story of the young Krishna playing his flute comes from the Bhagavata Purana. In this epic, Krishna plays the flute to preserve dharma while defeating demons. This particular story has inspired countless theatre and dance performances in India. Interestingly, this was also the first Purana to be translated into a European language - a French translation appeared in 1788 - and introduced Hinduism to the Western world.

Provenance: ex-Coup de Foudre, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#170111

Losses to proper left hand, right forearm, ankles, and feet. Right arm and head reattached with break lines visible. A few minor nicks to surface. Otherwise, excellent with nice preservation of detail.