Page 33 - Christie's Inidian and HImalayan Works of Art, March 2019

Sukhavati Lokeshvara is seated at the center of this narrative
painting, a work dedicated to the happiness of its viewers and
the world. It tells the story of the King Birakusa, queen Alindra,
and Indra. The King from Benares had more than a thousand
wives, but could not have a child. After consulting with an
astrologer, the king invited his male subjects to copulate with
his wives in the hope of attaining an heir. The announcement
625 was heard by Indra who came to the palace in the guise of an
A PAUBHA OF SUKHAVATI LOKESHVARA old Brahmin (see the curly-haired fgure to the proper-right of
NEPAL, DATED BY INSCRIPTION TO 1836 (SAMVAT 956) the makara) and chose Queen Alindra. When she turned down
Image 29Ω x 26¬ in. (75 x 67.5 cm.) Indra’s proposal, he revealed his true form and gifted her a
medicine that would give her a son. Thereafter, she gave birth
$10,000-15,000
to Prince Birakusa who, although unattractive, was strong,
brave and skilled. The Prince won over his princess, despite his
PROVENANCE appearance, by exhibiting his many talents.
Property from the Estate of William H. Wolf; Sotheby’s
New York, 2 June 1992, lot 258 Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24497.