**Originally Listed At $6000**

South Asia, India, Pala Dynasty, ca. 8th to 10th century. This stone stele depicts the deity Surya (the supreme light), the principle solar deity of Hinduism who also represents the Sun in India and Nepal, and is traditionally thought to perpetuate time by riding across the skies. Surya holds open lotus blossoms in each hand, as lotus flowers are associated with this solar deity, because they bloom in sunlight. Surya is also flanked by two of his attendants, one of whom is bearded, standing in a tribanga position and donning much jewelry, as well as miniature depictions of apsaras (heavenly figures). Surya is highly decorated in a manner fit for this deity, bedecked with an elaborate crown, a diaphanous robe, a floral pectoral, and flowing strands of pearls or garlands rippling over his body. The figures are carved in high relief against the stele with a decorative foliated border delineated in bas relief at the lower end of the stele. Size: 15" W x 27.375" H (38.1 cm x 69.5 cm); 33.375" H (84.8 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, "Worship of the sun in an anthropomorphic form was probably introduced to India from ancient Iran. In medieval Hinduism Surya was sometimes identified with Vishnu, whose origins appear to be as a sun deity, the memory of which is preserved in his flaming wheel (cakra) and his vehicle, the sun bird Garuda."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii USA, 1960 to 2000

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162527

Losses to upper end and other peripheries. Chips and abrasions to high-pointed areas as shown. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Verso is uncarved. Set in a wooden stand that post-dates the statue.