Artemis Gallery
15th C. Indian Stone Effigy of a Makara
Product Description
Central Asia, South India, ca. 15th century CE. Expertly carved from a single large stone of rosy beige hues with some remains of red and white pigment, a dramatic crocodile effigy - with meticulously delineated gnashing teeth, bulging eyes, scaly skin, toed feet, and pointy tail.
This piece probably refers to a Makara ("sea dragon" or "water monster" in Sanskrit) - the pet and Vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga of Hindu mythology. She personifies the purity and piety of the Ganges River (the most sacred river of Hindu mythology) and purportedly descends to earth to rinse away humankind's sins.
A row of Makara are typically featured on the exteriors of Hindu temples, running along a wall or serving as a handrail. As a vahana ("that which pulls"), the Makara is sometimes depicted mounted by a deity, at the deity's side, or as a symbolic attribute of the deity, in this case it would be Ganga. A very special piece, boasting skillful technique and layers of symbolic meaning.
Product Details
- Measurements
14.25"L x 9.5"W x 6.5"H
- OriginIndia
— Provenance: Ex Allen Davis Collection, Sante Fe; Acquired at Europa Fine Art Gallery Summerland, CA
— Includes Certificate Of Authenticity
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityUnited States
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Shipping PolicyDiscounted Shipping
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Discounted Shipping$99.00 first item / $99.00 each additional
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Ship In2-3 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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