Central Asia, India, ca. 8th to 12th century. This stone stele depicts the Hindu deity Surya, the Sun God thought to perpetuate time by riding across the skies, holding open lotus blossoms in each hand; lotus flowers are associated with this solar deity, because they bloom in sunlight. Surya is flanked by his two wives, Rajni and Nisprabha, as well as his trusted attendants, Pingala (with an inkpot) and Dandin (with a sword). Surya is adorned by an elaborate crown and breastplate - the breastplate as he is traditionally depicted as a Central Asian warrior. Size: 7.5" W x 13" H (19 cm x 33 cm)
Temples in Pala were built of brick, with carved stone images like this one set into wall niches. The Pala Empire was the last major Buddhist power in India, although their sculptural art, as here, often includes Hindu elements and iconography. They are well known for their sculpture, which was influenced by the Gupta period, and in turn influenced artwork in Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.
See another stele with Surya at the Getty Museum (object name: BE087641) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (accession number 1927-9-1).
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired around 2004; ex-antique store collection, Portland, Oregon, USA
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#150043
Condition
Expected surface wear with losses to peripheries and high-pointed areas as shown. Deposits grace the surface.