24 - ASIAN ART SOCIETY
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A MINIATURE SHIKHARA GUARDED BY A PAIR OF MAKARAS AND FEMALE ATTENDANTS Madhya Pradesh, probably Gwalior region, India 10-11th century Sandstone 41,5 cm (h) x 40 cm (w) x 21 cm (D) Provenance: Simon Ray collection, 2008 Bruno Cooper collection Price : 11.000 euros
Object Presented by: Farah Massart M.:+32 495 289 100 E.: art@famarte.be W: www.famarte.com
This sandstone architectural fragment depicts a miniature North Indian temple tower or Shikhara. Two female attendants or possibly river goddesses at each side emerge from the mouth of a pair of makaras. The pink glow in the sandstone suggests the region of Gwalior in the north of Madhya Pradesh as the place of origin. Makaras are mythical aquatic creatures with the body of a crocodile and the trunk of an elephant. They are often seen at the entrance of the temple, and considered by the Hindu’s to be auspicious and purifying by their association with water. The combination of two beautifully jewelled and dressed goddesses issuing from the mouth of two makaras portrays an image of pronounced sensuality, and ensures a protective auspiciousness for the small shrine.
