Page 12 - Christies Indian and Himalayan Art IRVING collection Sept 24 2020 NYC

The Irving Collection

704
A RARE BUFF SANDSTONE FIGURE OF A SALABHANJIKA The present sculpture, originally a pillar bracket, represents a celestial
CENTRAL INDIA, MADHYA PRADESH OR UTTAR PRADESH, female of the salabhanjika type. Found in temple architecture across north
10TH CENTURY India, salabhanjika are highly desirable women, symbols of fertility, depicted
33 in. (83.8 cm.) high
underneath a blossoming tree. They are believed to have descended from tree
deities and hold the ability to bring fruit or flowers to trees with their touch.
$120,000-180,000 Much like apsara and yakshi, salabhanjika are represented with exaggerated
feminine characteristics and idealized facial features. They represent both
PROVENANCE:
The Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, New York, by 1968-1970. earthly and divine abundance.
The Pan-Asian Collection (Christian Humann), New York, by 1972. The present example is depicted casually leaning against a tree trunk, with
Alice Boney, New York, by 1982. curving tendrils emerging from behind her head as she adjusts her hair
The Florence and Herbert Irving Collection, New York, 25 October 1982. ornament and likely gazes into a hand mirror. The effortless beauty of this
Irving Collection, no. 837. semi-divine female is highlighted by her sinuous form and leisurely activity.
Her facial features are precisely delineated, especially her almond-shaped
EXHIBITED:
On loan to Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1972-1977 (L.72.14.142). eyes with pupils, well defined-lids, and arched brows. She is adorned with a
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Seattle Art Museum, Denver Art beaded head ornament, large ear discs, a collar, and a multi-strand necklace
Museum, William Rockhill Nelson Gallery, Kansas City, National Gallery, that falls between her exaggerated breasts. Her waist belt is festooned with
Ottawa, Toledo Museum of Art, "The Sensuous Immortals: A Selection of jeweled leg drops connected to rich openwork girdles. Vines from the tree
Sculptures from the Pan-Asian Collection" 25 October 1977-29 October 1978, intertwine her proper left leg.
no. 46.

LITERATURE:
P. Pal, The Sensuous Immortals, Los Angeles, 1977, p. 81, no. 46.

Cover and illustration from P. Pal, The Sensuous Immortals, Los Angeles, 1977,
p. 81, no. 46.