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21

Sandstone Figure Apsara with Lotus, 11th/12th C.

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:4,000.00 EUR Estimated At:6,400.00 - 8,000.00 EUR
Sandstone Figure Apsara with Lotus, 11th/12th C.
Red sandstone
India, Uttar Pradesh, 11th/12th century
Large figure in caryatid form
Representation of an Apsara in supple pose on a narrow base
In her hands a large lotus-stalk, whose sinuous shape underlines the pose of the figure
The head with hair ornaments and a jagged crown, framed by a slender column capital with mango fruits
The figure shows magnificent jewelry around the neck and the hips
Literature: Pratapaditya Pal, Indian Sculpture. Vol. 2, Los Angeles 1988, pp. 114-115
On a metal base (later)
Height (without base): ca. 81 cm
Condition consistent with age
Provenance: Collection of Jack Zuberbühler, Switzerland
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible

A comparable piece is held in the LACMA collection (see Pratapaditya Pal, Indian Sculpture. Vol. 2, Los Angeles 1988, pp. 114-115). Compare also two female figures of celestial entertainers in the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art at the Asia Society, New York (accession no. 1979,033 and 1979.032) and a richly decorated statue of a celestial dancer in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession no. L.1993.88.2).



Apsara

In Hindu and Buddhist mythology Asparas are half-human, half-divine beings. The nymph-like figures are spirits of the clouds and waters. In the heavenly palace of Indra – god of rain and thunderstorms – the beautiful young women dance to the music of the Gandharvas, Indra’s court musicians. According to legend, the ethereal beings can change their shape and are sent to earth to seduce men.



Condition: The fragment is in fair condition consistent with age. The height without base measures ca. 81 cm.

Provenance: Collection of Jack Zuberbühler, Switzerland




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