Lot 85
Central Asia, India, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. An intricately carved wooden relief sculpture depicting an unusual representation of Kali (or Devi) the Hindu goddess of death, time, and doomsday. Kali is often associated with sexuality and violence, but is also considered a strong maternal figure symbolic of motherly love, exemplifying the duality embodied by many Hindu deities. Kali also embodies shakti - feminine energy, creativity and fertility - and is an incarnation of Parvati, wife of the great Hindu god Shiva. She is most often represented in art as a fearful fighting figure. Here we see her dramatic visage with bulging eyes and a teeth-bearing evil grin, wearing a with a "headband" ironically adorned with three skulls supporting a flame and flower headdress. More typically, Kali is depicted with a skull necklace rather than a skull headband. Spiraled serpent ornaments adorn her elongated ears, and her necklace is comprised of tongue-like motifs. Perhaps this tongue necklace was created to stand in for the lolling tongue more typical of Kali depictions. An imaginative rendering of this legendary goddess replete with strong artistry and symbolism. Size: 12" W x 17" H (30.5 cm x 43.2 cm)
Provenance: Ex- M. Jones collection excavated in the UK.
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#112859
- Condition: Aged wood with surface wear, stable age fissures, and inactive worm holes. Overall very good.
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