A PINK SANDSTONE RELIEF DEPICTING AN AMOROUS COUPLE, MITHUNA, CHANDELA PERIOD, 10TH-11TH CENTURY
Lot 291 - HS0625

Central India, Madhya Pradesh. Finely carved to depict a couple in a passionate embrace, leaning against a curved wall, their heads nestled close to each other, one arm wrapped around the other as they come together in union. Their bare-chested bodies adorned with beaded jewelry, dressed only in diaphanous dhotis, their faces with a sensual expression. A makara to the side, raising its curled trunk in the direction of the happy couple.

Provenance: From the collection of Olivier Maréchal, Belgium, acquired in India in 2007. A copy of a provenance statement, written and signed by Olivier Maréchal, dated 15 November 2024, confirming the above, accompanies this lot. Olivier Maréchal (b. 1973) is a noted Belgian collector and dealer specializing in the arts of India, Vietnam, and Thailand. He began his career in the mid-1990s, learning from his father who helped him with his first purchases. He later managed Surya Gallery in Brussels, Belgium.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, obvious losses, chips, scattered nicks and scratches.

Weight: 13.8 kg
Dimensions: Height 43 cm

With an associated metal stand. (2)

A Hindu temple was often envisioned as the world's central axis, in the form of a mountain inhabited by a god. The temple itself was therefore worshiped. This was done by circumambulation (walking around the exterior, in this case in a counterclockwise direction) and by viewing its small inner sanctum. The outside of the temple was usually covered with myriad reliefs: some portrayed aspects of the god within or related deities; others represented the mountain's mythological inhabitants. From early times, iconic representations of deities and holy figures were augmented by auspicious images, such as beautiful women, musicians, and loving couples (mithunas).

The temples of Khajuraho are known for the harmonious integration of sculptures with their architecture. All surfaces are profusely carved with anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic motifs depicting sacred and secular themes. Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system. Other themes mirror social life through depictions of domestic scenes, teachers and disciples, dancers and musicians, and amorous couples. It's noteworthy that while these erotic sculptures are prominent, they constitute less than 10% of the temple's artwork.

The Chandela dynasty became a great power in Central and Northern India during the 10th century. Thereafter successive rulers built magnificent temples at Khajuraho and elsewhere in their realm, to commemorate their military victories. As their influence expanded, their exquisite architectural style became admired across much of India, as indeed, it is now around the world. Chandella kings commissioned some of the finest temples in India. The best known of these today are in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, now a village but once the Chandella capital. Other temples, no longer standing, were located throughout their realm.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related sandstone architectural fragment of two lovers dated to the 10^th century, 54 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1964,0413.1.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Zacke, Vienna, 10 April 2025, lot 199
Price: EUR 26,000
Description: A pink sandstone relief depicting amorous couples, mithuna, Chandela period, 10^th-11^th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, material, and similar modeling. Note the larger size (68.5 cm).