9995

Antique Yali | The Mythical Lion Guardian - Set of 4

Currency:USD Category:Jewelry Start Price:925,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000,000.00 - 3,000,000.00 USD
Antique Yali | The Mythical Lion Guardian - Set of 4
Antique Yali | The Mythical Lion Guardian - (Set of 4)Yali (From Vyala meaning vicious in Sanskrit) is a mythical creature seen in many South Indian temples, often sculpted onto the pillars and chariots. It may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes. Also, it has been sometimes described as a leogryph (part lion and part griffin), with some bird-like features. Descriptions of and references to yaliÂ’s are very old, but they became prominent in south Indian sculpture in the 16th century. YaliÂ’s were believed to be more powerful than the lion, the tiger or the elephant........... Subjects: Yali / Vyala Art: Handcarved Wood Sculpture Culture/period: 17th Century -18th CenturyFindspot /Acquired: Tamil Nadu (Southern India) Materials: wood (vestiges of old paint) Technique: Handcarved and Painted Dimensions: Height: 2.76 metres............... Description: Figure of Simha-vyala; In its iconography and image the Simhayali has a catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion. This yali have been used on the four sides of a huge temple chariot, thirteen meters tall, is pulled through the streets by the massive gathering of overjoyed devoties holding long, heavy ropes. This graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the temples and village. yaliÂ’s are not specifically from mythology as they are graphic representation of human passions and carnality. The human underneath them depicts how tiny humans have to fight mighty forces of nature. The Yali is sculpted at the entrance of temples to keep away evil forces. One of the popular story of Narasimha states that Yali was subdued by Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu. Therefore the utsava murti of Narasimha in some temples ride on Yali Vahanam (Chariot) during festival in some Vishnu temples.