Lot 65
India, region of Bengal, Pala Empire, ca. 8th to 12th centuries CE. A wonderful grey-black schist carving in high relief of the goddess Parvati, in one of her incarnations as Durga or Kali or perhaps Ambika. Her vahana, a lion, rests at her feet; she holds a sword, a shield, a small object that may be a conch or a mango, and, on her lap, a male child. Size: 10" W x 14.75" H (25.4 cm x 37.5 cm)
The Pala Empire was the last major Buddhist power in India, although their sculptural art, as here, often includes Hindu elements and iconography. They are well known for their sculptural art, which was influenced by the Gupta period. Most Hindu deities are believed to be the embodiment of beauty, with sculpted figures and fine facial features. Images like this one are made as idealized forms and with symbolism and meaning that would have been readily apparent to the audience it was made for. They were carved to adorn private family shrines and altars as well as temples. The goddess's beautiful form, with perfectly round breasts and a muscular stomach, emphasizes her divinity and shows us what was considered beautiful when she was carved. Parvati is the mother goddess, goddess of fertility, love, and devotion - but in some incarnations, like as Durga, she is fierce and warlike; as Kali, she is the powerful destroyer of evil forces; and as Ambika, especially in the Jainist tradition, she is again a mother goddess, often shown, like here, holding her son.
Provenance: Ex-Hoy collection, Toronto, Canada
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#119008
- Condition: Edges are rough, as is undecorated back; design has some age wear but is very clear. Small dot of blue paint
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