Page 113 - March 23 2022 Boinghams NYC Indian and Himalayan Art

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A RED SANDSTONE FRIEZE WITH MUSICIANS This dynamic frieze depicts a procession of celestial musicians in the midst
INDIA, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, 11TH CENTURY of a performance. They strike a range of bold, stylized poses and hold a
41 in. (104.1 cm.) wide variety of instruments, including horns, drums, and cymbals. The frieze likely
formed part of a continuous circular molding beneath a domed ceiling, a
$10,000-15,000
space connecting earthly and heavenly realms. The figures resemble mortal
musicians of a royal court, though they actually reside in the heavenly court.
PROVENANCE:
Sotheby’s New York, 20-21 September 1985, lot 253.
Christie’s New York, 21 September 2007, lot 61. The frieze dates to the eleventh century in central India, a period of prolific
Hindu temple construction, a time of numerous dynasties vying for political
power before the conquest by Muslim Turks and establishment of the Delhi
Sultanate. The period produced numerous temples, including the famed
temple complex at Khajuraho, world-renowned for its erotically charged and
highly detailed figurative decoration. The present lot clearly stems from the
same period with the figures’ bold, graphic poses, sumptuous details, and
animated movement that conveys the liveliness and excitement of a live
musical performance.

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