A LOT WITH THREE BRONZE FIGURES OF SRI DEVI, KALI AND GARUDA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Lot 1437 - AK0126

Southern India. Each finely cast: the first depicts Sri Devi shown in tribhanga on a base, wearing a diaphanous dhoti and richly adorned with a sacred thread and beaded pendant jewelry, the face with large almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, and full lips, surmounted by a conical headdress; the second depicts Kali standing in samabhanga on a circular base, the principal hands raised, wearing a necklace and a diaphanous dhoti; the third shows Garuda standing in samabhanga on a circular base, the hands held in anjali mudra, with wings extending from his shoulders and a serene face beneath a tall conical headdress.

Provenance: Collection of Francoise Leroy-Laveissiere, who was an expert for Asian Art at the Cabinet Beurdeley & Leroy-Laveissiere at Drouot, Paris, in the 1970s. Thence by descent in the family.
Condition: Good condition with expected wear, few nicks, some dents, and warping. The figure of Kali with losses to two hands and encrustations. A fine, naturally grown, dark patina.

Weight: 485 g
Dimension: Height 10.8 cm (Sri Devi), 14 cm (Kali), 8.3 cm (Garuda)

Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are the consorts of Vishnu, both considered manifestations of the goddess Lakshmi. Their iconography is closely related, underscoring Vishnu’s equal affection towards them. Sri Devi embodies prosperity and abundance, understood as sustaining forces of the universe, while Vishnu represents cosmic preservation and order. In Vaishnava tradition, she is regarded as a compassionate intermediary between devotees and Vishnu, bestowing both material and spiritual wealth. Her presence is a constant feature in temples and households, symbolizing well-being and good fortune.

Garuda, a powerful bird-like figure in both Hinduism and Buddhism, is a symbol of strength, speed, and divine protection. In Hindu mythology, Garuda is the mount of Vishnu and represents victory over evil, especially in his battle against serpents (Nagas). The kamandalu held in his right hand references the Garudeya batik, in which Garuda succeeds in retrieving amerta (holy water) which had been taken by the Naga.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related copper alloy figure of Sri Devi, South India, dated to the 18th century, 11.5 cm high, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number 5767-1901.