Lot 51F
Central Asia, Nepal, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A stunning gilt copper repousse torana or mandorla fragment, embellished with intricate, openwork imagery, auspicious symbols of Buddhism, and inlaid red spinel and turquoise. The bust of the bird-deity Garuda projects from the top, holding in his claws the legs of a naga king and a nagini with 2 makaras below, all framed by scrolling lotus tendrils. Depicted nude, the naga and nagini are each crowned by 5 cobra heads and hold out one hand in the apana mudra or the psychic gesture of life force. The makaras each display the roaring head of an elephant with sharp, jagged teeth, an extended tongue, the feet of a lion, and the plumed tail of a peacock. These reliefs would have found the central motif to a decorative panel above an entrance to a temple or private enclosure. Size of torana: 27.5" W x 21" H (69.8 cm x 53.3 cm); of custom display board: 31.5" W x 27.8" H (80 cm x 70.6 cm)
The Garuda, half man and half eagle, is a favorite subject in Nepalese art, and is traditionally represented engaged in mortal combat with its natural enemies, the water spirits or nagas, as seen here.
Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004
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#181033
- Condition: Comprised of 3 fragments mounted to a custom felt board for display; tearing to felt in one corner. Garuda is missing one inlaid earring. Some bending and abrasions to areas, but imagery is still very clear. Otherwise, excellent presentation with great preservation of gilding and rich patina. Good remaining detail. Suspension wire on verso for display.
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