Description:

South Asia, Southeast India, ca. late 18th to mid-19th century CE. A superb wood carving of the god Narasimha in the rarely depicted 8 headed form of Ashtamukha Gandabherunda Narasimha - this avatar is essentially a combination of the lion headed Narasimha with other deities into an unstoppable force. The framing arch behind the deity is inscribed with a description of the scene and a modern plaque added to the display base reads "The Lord God Narasinha." Included are a series of letters between Stella Kramrisch, celebrated art historian and 1970 curator of Indian Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and other experts discussing the translation and iconography of this piece and another carving (listed separately). The verso has paper labels with descriptions and translations of the engraved text on the arch. Size: 17.5" L x 5" W x 22.5" H (44.4 cm x 12.7 cm x 57.2 cm); 26" H (66 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Ex-Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#178976

  • Condition: Repaired. Some arms are reattached and have break lines and fissures near elbows / shoulders. Left side robe panel is reattached. Losses and chips to fingers and loss to upper left arch finial. Great patina throughout and painted details. Included are copies of letters / correspondences and documents regarding this carving dated 1970 from Curator of Indian Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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December 21, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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