A RARE AND LARGE SILVER AND COPPER-INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF VISHNU VARAHA, NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 10TH-12TH CENTURY

Finely cast to depict Vishnu as the cosmic boar Varaha standing in a dynamic pose on one leg, the other raised at the knee, atop a circular pedestal raised on a tiered lotus plinth. The primary hands held to the chest, and the secondary arms raised and clasped around a chakra and gada. Wearing a short, pleated dhoti and adorned with various necklaces and pectorals, the body further inlaid with flat copper medallions incised with a simple flower, extending down to the pedestal. The boar-head turned to the side, the eyes meticulously inlaid in silver, and detailed with curling tusks which balance the weight of the earth.

Provenance: The collection of Dr. John Ross Sr., thence by descent to his son and thence by further direct descent. Dr. John Ross Sr. was an American physician and art collector. He passed down his collection and passion for collecting to his son Dr. John Ross Jr. (1928-2019), a pioneering cardiologist whose research is widely used in diagnosing heart disorders. Dr. Ross was a renowned collector and passionate advocate of Asian and ethnographic art, dedicating over five decades to the field. A committed supporter of non-Western art, he played a central role in the Ethnic Arts Council (EAC) of Los Angeles, serving as Chair from 1988 to 1990 and remaining active on the board until 2007. His influence extended to academic institutions such as UCLA and USC, where he backed various ethnographic art programs. Internationally, he contributed through organizations like the Ethnic Arts Foundation and the Mithila Arts Institute in India, promoting cultural preservation and artistic exchange. Part of the collection was donated to the World Cultures Art Collection of Mesa College, San Diego.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Expected ancient wear, casting irregularities, small losses, scattered light nicks and small surface scratches, few minor dings, minor corrosion to inlays, old fills, and traces of weathering. The foot and one arm with old repairs, and the figure accurately reinforced to the base with a nut and bolt. Its raised details worn smooth by centuries of worship, this bronze survives with the desirable, glossy patina of a much-cherished icon.

Weight: 6,118 g
Dimensions: Height 39.5 cm

Varaha is the third incarnation of Vishnu in the Dashavatara. The transformation of Vishnu into a boar became necessary when the demon, Hiranayaksha, once dragged the earth under the sea. The earth-goddess's cries for help reached Vishnu who took the form of a boar, plunged into the depths of the ocean, gored the demon to death and surfaced with the earth intact. Varaha is depicted here in a heroic pose after rescuing Earth or Bhudevi, who in sculptural representations of Varaha is often depicted as a beautiful goddess seated on his raised elbow.

The present sculpture relates closely to a famous rock-cut relief in Cave 5 of the Udayigiri Caves, depicting Varaha rescuing the earth goddess, a masterwork of early Indian stone carving that demonstrates both artistic sophistication and theological symbolism. The Udayagiri Caves, located in Madhya Pradesh, are an important early example of Hindu rock-cut architecture, dating to the early 5th century during the Gupta period. Comprising a series of excavations dedicated primarily to Hindu deities, with a few Jain monuments, the site is celebrated for its monumental reliefs and inscriptions that reflect the political and religious vitality of the Gupta court.

Literature comparison:
Compare a later bronze figure of Varaha, dated circa 1600, 20.95 cm high, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.87.160.2. Compare a closely related bronze of Varaha Pratihara, dated circa 10^th century, 10.5 cm high, in the National Museum, New Delhi, accession number 67.107.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 21 March 2023, lot 105
Price: USD 482,600 or approx. EUR 444,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large copper and silver-inlaid figure of Avalokiteshvara, Eastern India, Pala period, 12^th century
Expert remark: Compare the similar copper inlays on the body. Note the different size (15.9 cm).