Northeastern India, Pala Period, 12th century

Finely carved with extensive detail, this impressive stele of Vishnu, the god of Preservation, demonstrates the masterful craftsmanship of twelfth century artists working in Northeast India. The present figure of Vishnu is shown here in all his glory, holding his principal attributes: a mace or club and a discus in his two raised hands, and a conch shell and seed in his lower hands. He is flanked by Lakshmi on the left and Saraswati on the right, while various attendants and apsaras surround him in adoration.
Compare the present work with another Pala-period stele of Vishnu of similar size and modeling sold at Christie's New York on October 9th, 2013, lot 686.