Description:

Central Asia, India, Madhya Pradesh, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A finely carved terracotta head from the Khajuraho monuments, temples known for their nagara style architectural symbolism and their expressively erotic sculptures. About 10% of the visual art displayed on the monuments features erotic content, while 90% features scenes of daily life from ancient Indian culture. Here we have a magnificent head fragment, the visage presenting gracefully arched brows, almond shaped eyes, a naturalistic nose and lips, wavy coiffure, neatly manicured beard, and a fabulously curled mustache. The figure is elaborately decorated with a shell-shaped earring and a beaded necklace or collar. His expression suggests a state of ecstasy, perhaps in turn suggesting the tantric sexual practices that some scholars have surmised. An extremely rare work of visual culture from the Khajuraho temples representing the wondrously flourishing arts of the Rajput kingdoms of ancient India. Custom wood stand. Size: head itself measures 2.5" L x 3.125" W x 4" H (6.4 cm x 7.9 cm x 10.2 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on stand.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is one the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Harvesting from the original site today would be utterly illegal; however, since this piece was collected in the 1950s, it is safe to collect.

Provenance: Ex-Sarkisian Gallery, Denver, Colorado, acquired in the 1950's

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#112725

  • Condition: A fragment with an old nick to the back section of the coiffure, but oh what a fragment! Nice white mineral deposits.

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May 12, 2016 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000