Lot 56
South Asia, northern India, Rajasthan, ca. 10th to 13th century CE. A paramount example of Indian iconography! A sandstone relief of the Brahmanical triad or Trimurti - the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - heavily adorned and standing upright in separate niches as they each grasp items of their iconographies in their 4 hands. Depicted in a rare form with only one face, the left most figure is Brahma known as "The Creator," shown bearded and holding a water pot, a scepter, holy scripture, and prayer beads. Next, Vishnu or "The Preserver" grasps a mace, a lotus flower, a conch shell, and a war discus. Then the right-most figure is Shiva, "The Destroyer," who possesses a trident, prayer beads, and a petite drum. Though mostly nude, all 3 deities are draped in beaded necklaces, belts and bangles with sizeable earrings as elaborate, towering diadems crown their heads. Several attendants are shown above and below each figure. Size: 31" W x 17.7" H (78.7 cm x 45 cm); 19.5" H (49.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The Trimurti, meaning 3 forms, is considered the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism, in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively. Starting in the 8th century CE, Hindus dedicated temples to the Trimurti - the most famous including the Baroli Trimurti Temple, the Elephanta Caves, the Mithrananthapuram Trimurti Temple, the Prambanan Trimurti Temple, Savadi Trimurti Temple, and Thripaya Trimurti Temple. A powerful example, replete with expert technique and artistry as well as layers of iconographical meaning.
Cf. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, M.86.337 and a frieze of the Brahamnic trio on the Hoysalesvara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, India.
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired in 2008; ex-B.C. Galleries, Armadale, Australia
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#173694
- Condition: Losses and chipping to peripheries and lower right corner. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive preservation of detail and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.
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