India, probably Rajasthan (northwest part of country), ca. 11th to 13th century CE. Carved from pink sandstone, this is a high relief carving of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon. He sits on a carved block and at his back is a squared-off seat and a florally-decorated column behind that, framing his body. The carving shows his face as stylized and symmetrical, with finely carved details of jewelery and implements. Comes with custom stand. Size: 10" L x 8" W x 16.75" H (25.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 42.5 cm)

In this piece, Vishnu stands in a dynamic pose, one leg bent beneath him and the other bent before him. He has four arms, two held out in front of him and the other two holding war clubs (sometimes called a mace, Kaumodaki gada), which signify that this is a representation of the god. He wears extensive beaded jewelry - arm bands, anklets, necklaces, and a broad belt holding up a skirt whose form is mimicked in the floral designs on the column. He also wears a large headdress. This may have been an architectural feature in a temple.

Provenance: Ex-Private Arizona, USA collection

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#118787

Small losses to nose and hands. Back has been chipped away from a larger architectural feature. Small areas of encrustation. Small areas of repair to lower legs/skirt area.