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THB10th C India Pala Stone Stele Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
Lot 56
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$40,000 - $60,000
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Mar 20, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-03-20 10:00:00
2025-03-20 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-finds-ancient-asian-ethno-fine-art-18151
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (266)
- Lot Description
South Asia, Northeastern India, Pala Empire, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. This exceptional black stone stele presents Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, whose name translates to "Lord Who Looks Down with Compassion." Seated in lalitasana ("royal ease") upon a lotus pedestal, he exudes serenity and divine grace. His proper left hand holds a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment, while the yajnopavita (sacred thread) drapes across his chest, signifying spiritual wisdom. The reverse is flat, suggesting it was once set into a niche wall. However, it bears a Sanskrit inscription, the origins of which remain uncertain - whether carved at the time of creation or added later by a devoted follower. A revered figure in Buddhist iconography, Avalokiteshvara - also known as Padmapani ("Lotus Bearer") - is associated with benevolent protection and unwavering compassion. Size: 9.5" L x 4" W x 13" H (24.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 33 cm)
Pala steles often bear inscriptions containing Buddhist creeds, teachings of the Buddha, and occasionally the name of the patron or commissioner. In early Pala art, Avalokiteshvara is typically depicted standing with multiple arms. However, from the 10th and 11th centuries onward, he is increasingly portrayed seated in lalitasana (the posture of royal ease) with two arms.
The black stone used in this piece is particularly striking and notably exhibits magnetic properties and a high density - that makes it heavier than it appears. XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) testing reveals a composition rich in magnesium and iron, along with silicon and aluminum, which aligns with basaltic rocks found in Bihar and Bengal - regions known for producing many Pala-period sculptures. Given its Pala Empire origins the stone is most likely black basalt, commonly used for carving religious steles and statues.
Provenance: private Lafayette, Colorado, 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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions."#190870Old chips and abrasions along the peripheries, with some pitting, but otherwise excellent. Inscription on the verso is not translated, and has some losses and softening. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas. No discernable repairs or restoration.Condition
- Shipping Info
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