Southern Asia, India, Gupta Dynasty, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A graceful, hand-carved sandstone fragment of the Hindu god Krishna depicted standing and holding his flute to his stomach with both hands. Bare-chested, the figure wears a dhoti and bracelets. The rough verso suggests this piece was part of a relief. Set on a modern, gold-colored, iron and wood pedestal base. Size: 5" W x 7.3" H (12.7 cm x 18.5 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 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-private Pasadena, California, USA collection collected before 2005

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#180865

Missing head, bottom of legs and part of proper right arm. Chips, nicks, and abrasions to surface. Liberal remaining detail and light earthen deposits throughout. Permanently adhered to a modern, gold-colored, iron and wood pedestal base.