19th C. Indian Wood Door Panel w/ Relief of Narashimha
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Description
South Asia, India, ca. late 19th to 20th century CE. An impressive wood panel of rectangular form, skillfully hand-carved with a relief of the Hindu deity Narashimha - meaning man-lion - shown killing the demon Hiranyakasipu, as he stands on 1 leg in half lotus position. Balancing atop a lotus flower, the fearsome god features 8 arms, all wildly swinging about with 3 displaying signs or mudras, 1 holding the hair of his victim, and 2 pulling the victim's innards up above his head. The frightening visage of the divinity presents a gaping mouth with large fangs, a wide nose, bulging eyes beneath arched brows, and petite ears, all capped by a towering, tiered headdress. Bangles, anklets, and an elaborate pectoral adorn the deity's body. An arched doorway with 2 columns frames the gruesome scene, while 2 attendants pray or meditate at the bottom of the panel. The verso is additionally embellished by a brass, lotus-motif doorknocker or handle. Size: 14.3" W x 26.6" H (36.3 cm x 67.6 cm)
According to Hindu mythology, the god Brahma told the demon Hiranyakashipu that he was invincible and could not be killed by either a human or animal, by day or night, and that no weapon could rival his powers. However, his son Prahlada was loyal to Vishnu, despite the fact that his father threatened his life because of this. One day, the demon Naramshimha challenging Prahlada kicked a stone pillar and asked, "If your god is so omnipresent, does he exist in this pillar as well?" At this point, Vishnu emerged from the pillar in the form of the man-lion Naramsimha and fiercely killed the demon! This momentous incident when the leonine faced, curly maned figure slayed the demon Hiranyakasipu, is dramatically depicted on this fabulous relief carving!
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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.
#168122
According to Hindu mythology, the god Brahma told the demon Hiranyakashipu that he was invincible and could not be killed by either a human or animal, by day or night, and that no weapon could rival his powers. However, his son Prahlada was loyal to Vishnu, despite the fact that his father threatened his life because of this. One day, the demon Naramshimha challenging Prahlada kicked a stone pillar and asked, "If your god is so omnipresent, does he exist in this pillar as well?" At this point, Vishnu emerged from the pillar in the form of the man-lion Naramsimha and fiercely killed the demon! This momentous incident when the leonine faced, curly maned figure slayed the demon Hiranyakasipu, is dramatically depicted on this fabulous relief carving!
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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.
#168122
Condition
Losses to top. Several stable fissures throughout with adhesive fill on verso to fissure on right side. Expected nicks, chips, abrasions, and softening of detail. Projecting nail with string on verso. Otherwise, very nice with great patina.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
19th C. Indian Wood Door Panel w/ Relief of Narashimha
Estimate $1,500 - $2,250
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