** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

South Asia, India, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely, hand-carved wood altar displaying the deities Krishna and Radha on a rectangular plinth. Capped with a tiered headdress, Krishna stands on the right, posed as if dancing as he crosses his legs and holds his arms to his right. A yellow and red vetti hangs from his waist as bangles, necklaces, and huge earrings adorn his body. Also heavily decorated with jewelry, Radha wears her hair in a bun and faces forward, standing upon flat feet. She places her left hand on her hip and extends her right to towards Krishna, while a red and blue sari covers her body. A petite pillar for burning incense or offerings is featured in the front, right corner of the piece. Size: 11.3" W x 15.8" H (28.7 cm x 40.1 cm)

Krishna and Radha had quite a history beginning in childhood when they grew up together, playing, dancing, and hoping to spend the rest of their lives together. Unfortunately, the universe pulled them apart. Krishna came to be worshipped as a lord who defended his people and vanquished his enemies, while Radha waited for him. Krishna married Rukmini and Styabhama; he raised a family and fought valiantly in the war of Ayodyha, while Radha still waited - so immense was her love for Krishna. Song writers and poets have used their torrid love as inspiration for centuries. The Radha-Krishna romance is a prominent subject of Indian art and literature, serving as a model of allegorical love to which all should aspire. Radha was Krishna's favorite of all the gopis (cow herding maidens), and their love signified rapture between God and human soul has often been interpreted as the hope for the union between humanity and the divine.

Exhibited in the "Anthony Quinn: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art" traveling exhibition from 2006 to 2009.

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000; exhibited in the "Anthony Quinn: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art" traveling exhibition from 2006 to 2009

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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.

#169163

Loss of right hand and left fingers of Radha. Repairs to arms of both with break lines visible. Nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Stable fissures to base. Radha is slightly loose. Great patina.