Page 25 - Sporer Collection of Himalayan bronzes

5
A BRONZE SHRINE OF VISHNU AS VAMANA
NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 12TH CENTURY

Cast with the four-armed dwarf avatar at center
standing in samapada on a double-lotus, wearing
a long foral garland, belt with beaded festoons
and tiered conical headdress, fanked by his two
wives, Lakshmi and Saraswati, all standing on
a stepped plinth with kneeling donor fgures
at front, the elaborate separately cast throne-
back with a lotus fowerhead halo within an
arched frame, bordered by various mythical
creatures, musicians and apsaras, with an
inscription on verso
7¿ in. (18 cm.) high

$60,000-80,000

PROVENANCE:

The Sporer Collection, New Jersey,
acquired from Bharany Gallery,
Paris, 16 June 1972

Vamana, the ffth avatar of
Vishnu, presented himself as a
dwarf beggar to Bali to thwart the
ambitious sovereign from taking
over the heavens. When giving
alms, Bali granted Vamana any
wish he desired. Vamana asked
for all the land he could cover
with three steps and the king
agreed. Immediately Vishnu
changed into a giant and
covered the earth and sky with
two steps and then asked Bali
where he should place his last
step. Knowing he had been
bested, Bali offered his head to
Vishnu, who immediately sent
the king to the netherworld.

THE SPORER COLLECTION OF HIMALAYAN SCULPTURE 23