South Asia, Northern India, Chandela Dynasty, ca. 11th to 13th century CE. A large vertical standing stone panel carved in high relief of Saraswati (Sarasvati), the Hindu goddess of learning music, and wisdom - depicted here with a stringed instrument known as the veena. She stands upon a lotus pedestal, lavishly adorned with sizeable earrings, beaded strands adorning her forehead/coiffure, necklaces falling over her nude breasts, armbands, bracelets, an elaborate bejeweled belt, and flowing leg coverings. The tall panel behind her bears a stylized scrolling foliate motif of a lotus and leaves. This elegant carving of Saraswati would have been part of the niches around a temple, helping direct the worshipper's entrance and sense of awe. Size: 14" L x 9" W x 41" H (35.6 cm x 22.9 cm x 104.1 cm); 43" H (109.2 cm) on included custom stand.

For a similar carving and more information on Saraswati carvings, please see the Walters Art Museum's website, accession number: 25.50.

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Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired in 2007 from B.C. Galleries, Armadale, Australia

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#173695

Losses to pedestal and upper panel edge and old losses and abrasions to upper shoulder area. Surface gouges and chips to high pointed areas. A few stable fissures throughout. Details are sharp and well defined. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas.