작품 상세

South Asia, India, Tamil Nadu, Chola Dynasty, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A rare basalt relief fragment depicting the Hindu goddess Durga, one of the most revered and complex deities of the Chola period. The goddess is rendered in bold, rounded volumes characteristic of South Indian stone sculpture, her torso carved in high relief with shoulders squared and head framed by a halo-like arc. Though weathered by time, her divine presence remains palpable. Durga is shown holding a dharmachakra (wheel of law) in one hand and a conch shell (shankha) in the other, both attributes symbolizing cosmic order, divine power, and the protection of dharma. The dharmachakra represents the eternal cycle of righteousness, while the conch, long associated with Vishnu, resounds as a call to battle against adharma (chaos and evil). These attributes, combined in the hands of Durga, emphasize her dual role as both preserver and warrior, guardian of balance and cosmic truth. Size: 5.4" L x 11.4" W x 12" H (13.7 cm x 29 cm x 30.5 cm); 14.4" H (36.6 cm) on included custom stand. Chola-period sculpture is renowned for its devotional intensity and technical mastery. Although best known for their exquisite bronze icons of Shiva Nataraja and Parvati, the Cholas also produced temple reliefs in hard stone. Basalt carvings such as this were integral to temple architecture, adorning sanctuaries with images of gods and goddesses that reinforced both religious narrative and spiritual protection. This relief, despite its fragmentary state, retains remarkable power. Its rough yet commanding surface evokes the ancient temple setting from which it likely originated, and its iconography connects it directly to the living traditions of Hindu devotion. Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005 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. #194581