A red sandstone bust of a deity

INDIA, MADHYA PRADESH, 10TH/11TH CENTURY

Details

A red sandstone bust of a deity
India, Madhya Pradesh, 10th/11th century
Very finely carved with the slightly paunched torso adorned with a sacred thread and an elaborate necklace, the bearded face with almond-shaped eyes flanked by large earrings, the finely incised hair pulled to the side and tied into a low bun
15¾ in. (40 cm.) high

Provenance

Private collection, California, acquired before 1987

Lot Essay

With the slight paunch, handsomely carved beard, sacred thread and jewelry, and what appear to be remains of a halo and sunrays emanating from the figure's right shoulder, this image may represent Agni, the God of Fire. Agni is one of the eight astadikpalas, or directional guardians of a sacred temple space.

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