Central Asia, east coast of India, Odisha (Orissa), ca. 10th to 12th century CE. An incredible deep grey stone carving of Shiva, made to decorate a temple. The god is depicted seated atop a pedestal that looks like stacked stone bricks, with one leg crossed, the other hanging down with the foot resting on a brick. In one hand, he holds a large weapon; another hand is held upwards before his chest. His third and fourth arms hold his traditional implements, the trishula (trident-like weapon) and damaru (drum). Atop his head is a magnificent headdress and he is adorned with fine jewelry and clothing. He is portrayed in very high relief against a decorated, arch-shaped background. Shiva is a god who represents contrasting values: peace and destruction and lust and purity. Size: 7.75" L x 11" W x 23" H (19.7 cm x 27.9 cm x 58.4 cm)
Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha, is famous for its over 700 temples, most of which were built between the 8th and 12th centuries. The city is also famuos as being one of Shiva's favorite places, where legend says that he liked to sit underneath a huge mango tree. A carving like this one was made to be part of a temple wall, perhaps placed over a door. Sculptures like this one were used by Hindu worshippers to channel their relationship with the god depicted. However, gods would only inhabit a perfectly made sculpture, and so sculptors had to purify themselves before they began carving.
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#136352
Condition
Repaired from two large pieces, with the repair line visible along the legs. Wear on stone surface commensurate with age, with some losses to details, notably on the eyes and one foot.