Collection of Three Indian Sandstone Carved Heads of Deities

Details

Description

A collection of three carved sandstone heads on wood display stands from Northern India Rajasthan or
Madhya Pradesh, circa 11-12th … Read more A collection of three carved sandstone heads on wood display stands from Northern India Rajasthan or
Madhya Pradesh, circa 11-12th century. Fragmented from large whole-body statue, these red sandstone heads exhibit very fine carving, typical of Northern Indian Art during the medieval time. Two males and one female, they represent heavenly deities Yakshas and Yakshini. Their facial features were detailed with large almond-shape eyes under thin arched eyebrows. The males have characteristic facial hairs including curvy moustaches and tightly combed beard, both finely carved, and the female wears large spoke loop earrings. They all don fantastical hairstyles with serpent-like spiral locks and some with elaborate knots on top and above the sideburns.
These deities are likely celestial musicians. A pair of full-body statues (lot 70) were offered for sale in Christie's Indian and Southeast Asian Art (sale no 1878) in September 2007 and they have nearly identical heads (see last photo).
The three pieces were displayed on comforting custom wood bases with steps detail, and they were from an estate in DC area together with the other terracotta head from Gupta period we also have on offer. It is possible to purchase individual item for 4000 each. The sizes are from left to right: 8"W X 4.5"D X 9.5"H; 5.5"W X 4.5" D X 9.5"H; 5.5"W X 3.5"D X9.5"H. See less