Central Asia, India, Middle Kingdoms period, ca. 11th to 12th century CE. A sensual, high relief sandstone carving of the Hindu god, Krishna. He is hand-carved in a depiction showing the deity standing and wearing a transparent dhoti, ankle band, and long sash. He has a stylized face and an elaborate coiffure, with the hair arranged atop the head, raised bands of detail giving it texture. He is posed gracefully, with his body slightly curved at the hips. What looks like a small elephant is seated behind his feet. Size: 21" H (53.3 cm); 21.75" H (55.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Krishna is one of the major deities of Hinduism, an avatar of Vishnu, god of compassion, tenderness, and love. In his raised hand, he holds a shankha, a sacred shell and symbol of Vishnu. The Middle Kingdoms period - a period with a multitude of rulers and kingdoms across the subcontinent - was part of the era of classical Hinduism, dated from ca. 200 BCE to 1100 CE. Artwork made during this period must be understood as deeply ritual and spiritual. This piece was made to be a decoration in the wall of a temple or palace. Imagine entering a place decorated with a multitude of carved gods on the walls!

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Jeff Shore collection, Rhode Island, USA; ex Boston, Massachusetts, USA collection; in storage since 1992

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#129682

Repair to raised hand. Losses as shown, especially on the left (facing) side of the body and to the nose. Nice details remaining, especially on the torso.