Lot number 181 - Auction 159
EIN SANDSTEINKOPF DES VISHNU

A SANDSTONE HEAD OF VISHNU North India, 11th/12th century Sandstone. H. 34 cm (63 cm with base). The head of Vishnu is exquisitely worked and displays a serene expression, characterised by almond-shaped eyes with heavy lids beneath elegantly arched brows, and full lips forming a subtle smile. The face is flanked by elongated ears with circular earrings; above finely arranged hair he wears a tall, elaborately worked crown, a kiritamukuta, richly decorated with two friezes of confronted rearing horses connected by garlands, the carving deeply undercut and boldly modelled in high relief. Mounted on a wood stand. With traces of age, partially damaged and restored. Provenance: From a private collection in Düsseldorf.