Description:

**Originally Listed At $500**

Central Asia, India, Gupta Dynasty, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A delightful carving of a lion's head from brown sandstone. This appears to have been an architectural element, perhaps put into a high corner to look down at the viewer, based on where the artist has chosen to put the most details. The lion wears a carved jewel on its forehead and has sensuous, curving lines forming its eyes. The ears are small and perky and there are incised details to create the impression of a muzzle with whiskers. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3" L x 4.9" W x 5.35" H (7.6 cm x 12.4 cm x 13.6 cm); height on stand: 7.25" (18.4 cm)

The Gupta period is sometimes referred to as India's Golden Age, when imperial patronage allowed the arts to flourish; it had a great influence on subsequent periods, like that of the Pala Empire and Kashmir. Gupta's refined artistic forms are characterized by fluid, almost whimsical carving, with gentle curves and a geometric attention to symmetry and shape.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#143505

  • Condition: Small losses to higher profile parts of face - ears and nose. Possible old loss to mouth.

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October 17, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000