Central Asia, India, Gupta Dynasty, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A delightful carving of a lion's head from brown sandstone. This appears to have been an architectural element, perhaps put into a high corner to look down at the viewer, based on where the artist has chosen to put the most details. The lion wears a carved jewel on its forehead and has sensuous, curving lines forming its eyes. The ears are small and perky and there are incised details to create the impression of a muzzle with whiskers. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3" L x 4.9" W x 5.35" H (7.6 cm x 12.4 cm x 13.6 cm); height on stand: 7.25" (18.4 cm)

The Gupta period is sometimes referred to as India's Golden Age, when imperial patronage allowed the arts to flourish; it had a great influence on subsequent periods, like that of the Pala Empire and Kashmir. Gupta's refined artistic forms are characterized by fluid, almost whimsical carving, with gentle curves and a geometric attention to symmetry and shape.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California USA collection

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#122637

Small losses to higher profile parts of face - ears and nose. Possible old loss to mouth.