Important Notice

Pala Dynasty
Bihar, Eastern India, 12th Century
Black stone
Height: 28.5 in (72.5 cm)
Width: 14 in (35.5 cm)
Depth: 5.25 in (13.5 cm)

The sculpture is attached to a metal base measuring 2.25 x 14 x 5 in (6 x 35.5 x 13 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in a Southeast Asian Private Collection

The Pala dynasty (circa 8th-12th century AD) ruled much of eastern India, particularly present- day Bihar and Bengal, and was among the most important patrons of Buddhist and Brahmanical art in the Subcontinent. This stele depicts Vishnu standing in his canonical four- armed form within an architectural prabhavali (arched aureole), adorned with flowing foliage and celestial attendants. In his upper hands he holds his principal attributes, the gada (mace) and chakra (discus), while one of his lower hands carries a shankha (conch) with the other in varada mudra, the gesture of benevolence and compassion.

He is embellished with jewellery, including a beaded necklace, a yajnopavita or sacred thread, armlets, anklets, and a finely detailed dhoti secured with a girdle. At the base Laxmi and Saraswati flank him on either side. A kirtimukha or “face of glory” is seen above his crown while two celestial beings descend in flight to garland him. The sculpture’s most striking feature is the refinement of the face. The smile radiates a sense of divinity, and the serene expression is accentuated by gracefully arched eyebrows and elongated eyes with a stylised eastern aesthetic.

Its exceptional quality is further evident in the depth of the carving, placement and stance of the attendant figures, and its near immaculate condition with all arms and attributes well preserved barring minor chips and losses commensurate with age. The sculpture possesses a refined and precise presence, resembling a carefully chiselled ivory icon in its delicacy and finish.

Pala Dynasty
Bihar, Eastern India, 12th Century
Black stone
Height: 28.5 in (72.5 cm)
Width: 14 in (35.5 cm)
Depth: 5.25 in (13.5 cm)

The sculpture is attached to a metal base measuring 2.25 x 14 x 5 in (6 x 35.5 x 13 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in a Southeast Asian Private Collection

The Pala dynasty (circa 8th-12th century AD) ruled much of eastern India, particularly present- day Bihar and Bengal, and was among the most important patrons of Buddhist and Brahmanical art in the Subcontinent. This stele depicts Vishnu standing in his canonical four- armed form within an architectural prabhavali (arched aureole), adorned with flowing foliage and celestial attendants. In his upper hands he holds his principal attributes, the gada (mace) and chakra (discus), while one of his lower hands carries a shankha (conch) with the other in varada mudra, the gesture of benevolence and compassion.

He is embellished with jewellery, including a beaded necklace, a yajnopavita or sacred thread, armlets, anklets, and a finely detailed dhoti secured with a girdle. At the base Laxmi and Saraswati flank him on either side. A kirtimukha or “face of glory” is seen above his crown while two celestial beings descend in flight to garland him. The sculpture’s most striking feature is the refinement of the face. The smile radiates a sense of divinity, and the serene expression is accentuated by gracefully arched eyebrows and elongated eyes with a stylised eastern aesthetic.

Its exceptional quality is further evident in the depth of the carving, placement and stance of the attendant figures, and its near immaculate condition with all arms and attributes well preserved barring minor chips and losses commensurate with age. The sculpture possesses a refined and precise presence, resembling a carefully chiselled ivory icon in its delicacy and finish.