A SHIVALINGA COVER WITH THE HEAD OF KHANDOBA, BRASS, INDIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A SHIVALINGA COVER WITH THE HEAD OF KHANDOBA, BRASS, INDIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY South India, Karnataka or Maharashtra. Finely cast, the face with large almond-shaped eyes beneath strongly arched brows centered by a prominent teardrop-shaped tilak, a long straight nose, and a stylized curling moustache above gently pursed lips. The rounded face is flanked by projecting ears and surmounted by a domed ribbed crown with an incised border. A beaded necklace encircles the neck, while the surface displays a rich, mottled golden-brown patina with areas of dark wear. The interior painted in red. Dimensions: Height 22 cm Large brass heads of male deities, generally identified either as a deified hero (vira) or as Khandoba, a regional manifestation of Shiva, were produced in the coastal regions of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka. Such heads served as linga covers or were placed immediately before or beside stone lingas, particularly during festivals, when they gave anthropomorphic presence to the otherwise aniconic emblem of Shiva. Some examples may also have been carried in procession, thus forming part of the living ritual apparatus of the temple rather than functioning as independent sculptures. Literature comparison: Compare two closely related brass Shivalinga cover from Maharashtra, dated 17th-18th century, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1995.220.1 and M.84.228.4. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 19 March 2013, lot 387 Price: GBP 4,375 or approx. EUR 7,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and material. Note the size (28 cm).

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