India, Gupta Dynasty, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A red sandstone panel, perhaps made to be set into the wall of a temple, depicting a sensuous, fleshy, male torso in relief and draped with elaborate jewelry - a tight beaded necklace with what appears to be a faceted gem at its center and a large pectoral with incredible detail. The folds of the clothing below the waist are visible, as is one hand, held in front of the chest, and holding what is probably the body of a snake. The snake has been carved to have a heavy, regular pattern on its skin. Perhaps this is the tail of Shesha, the Hindu king of the Nagas, who was a special friend of the god Vishnu. Comes with custom stand. Size: 7.8" W x 8.25" H (19.8 cm x 21 cm); height on stand: 10.75" (27.3 cm)

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

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121581

Piece is a fragment, with wear and losses as shown. Excellent remaining detail and lighter encrustations on the surface bring out the red stone details.