9th Mar, 2023 13:00
TWO-DAY AUCTION - Fine Chinese Art / 中國藝術集珍 / Buddhism & Hinduism
239
AN IMPORTANT AND MONUMENTAL BLACK STONE HEAD OF TARA, PALA PERIOD
Sold for €31,200
including Buyer's Premium
Opinion: This particular work should be considered a most important example from an era that saw the production of some of the finest sculptural works ever produced in India. The quality of the carving, coupled with the life-size proportions, indicates that this was likely part of a monumental statue that was a principal focus of worship.
India, 10th-12th century. Finely carved with a benevolent expression, having full bow-shaped lips, rounded cheeks, and heavy-lidded eyes beneath a swirled high chignon surrounded by an elaborate jewel-swagged diadem. The ears pierced at the helix with hanging gems and set with massive ear spools. The surface smoothly polished.
Provenance: From a noted private collection in the United States. Acquired in Lille, France, previously in a Belgian private collection.
Condition: Very good condition consistent with an example of great antiquity. Wear, losses, structural cracks, minor nicks, light scratches, signs of weathering and erosion. Fine, naturally grown, rich, smooth patina overall.
Dimensions: Height 38 cm (excl. stand) and 45 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted on a modern stand. (2)
Expert’s note: The iconography of the carving points to this being an image of Syama Tara, a female bodhisattva known as the Mother of Liberation. Figures of similar iconography show the bodhisattva seated on a double-lotus throne, with right leg extending below the throne and right foot supported by a lotus, all surrounded by a large mandorla, flanked by pearls and flames or adorative figures such as apsaras. This complete picture gives us an idea of the original scale and grandeur of the complete life-size work, which is unusual for its fine craftsmanship and monumental scale, pointing to a sculpture that was likely made for passing pilgrims. For a figure with similar distinctive features, including the massive ear spools and jewel-swagged diadem, see the Khadiravani Tara dating to the reign of Ramapala, acc. no. 3824/A25158 in the collection of the Indian Museum of Kolkata.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s, New York, 20 March 2009, lot 1203.
Price: USD 43,750 or approx. EUR 55,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A black stone head of Vishnu, Northeastern India, Pala period, 12th century
Expert remark: Note the much smaller size (24 cm) and almost complete loss of the ears.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 17 September 2003, lot 22
Price: USD 47,800 or approx. EUR 70,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An important large black stone head of a crowned Buddha, Northeastern India, Bihar, Pala period, 10th/11th century
Expert remark: Note the larger size (48.2 cm).
Opinion: This particular work should be considered a most important example from an era that saw the production of some of the finest sculptural works ever produced in India. The quality of the carving, coupled with the life-size proportions, indicates that this was likely part of a monumental statue that was a principal focus of worship.
India, 10th-12th century. Finely carved with a benevolent expression, having full bow-shaped lips, rounded cheeks, and heavy-lidded eyes beneath a swirled high chignon surrounded by an elaborate jewel-swagged diadem. The ears pierced at the helix with hanging gems and set with massive ear spools. The surface smoothly polished.
Provenance: From a noted private collection in the United States. Acquired in Lille, France, previously in a Belgian private collection.
Condition: Very good condition consistent with an example of great antiquity. Wear, losses, structural cracks, minor nicks, light scratches, signs of weathering and erosion. Fine, naturally grown, rich, smooth patina overall.
Dimensions: Height 38 cm (excl. stand) and 45 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted on a modern stand. (2)
Expert’s note: The iconography of the carving points to this being an image of Syama Tara, a female bodhisattva known as the Mother of Liberation. Figures of similar iconography show the bodhisattva seated on a double-lotus throne, with right leg extending below the throne and right foot supported by a lotus, all surrounded by a large mandorla, flanked by pearls and flames or adorative figures such as apsaras. This complete picture gives us an idea of the original scale and grandeur of the complete life-size work, which is unusual for its fine craftsmanship and monumental scale, pointing to a sculpture that was likely made for passing pilgrims. For a figure with similar distinctive features, including the massive ear spools and jewel-swagged diadem, see the Khadiravani Tara dating to the reign of Ramapala, acc. no. 3824/A25158 in the collection of the Indian Museum of Kolkata.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s, New York, 20 March 2009, lot 1203.
Price: USD 43,750 or approx. EUR 55,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A black stone head of Vishnu, Northeastern India, Pala period, 12th century
Expert remark: Note the much smaller size (24 cm) and almost complete loss of the ears.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 17 September 2003, lot 22
Price: USD 47,800 or approx. EUR 70,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An important large black stone head of a crowned Buddha, Northeastern India, Bihar, Pala period, 10th/11th century
Expert remark: Note the larger size (48.2 cm).
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