Page 99 - September 20th 2021, Indian and Himalayan Art Christie's NYC

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT COLLECTION
443
A PALE SANDSTONE HEAD OF A TIRTHANKARA 印度 或為拉賈斯坦邦 十一/十二世紀 砂岩雕蒂爾丹嘉拉首
INDIA, PROBABLY RAJASTHAN, 11TH-12TH CENTURY
10º in. (26 cm.) high 來源:
美國西岸私人珍藏，不晚於1999年。
$6,000-8,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, West Coast, by 1999.

Jainism is propagated through the stories of twenty-four tirthankaras,
figures who have conquered samsara (the cycle of death and rebirth)
and provide others a bridge to follow them to moksha (liberation).
Each tirthankara has a distinct emblem, which allows worshippers to
distinguish similar idols; however, with only the head, it is difficult to
identify the figure in the present lot.
This charming head carved in pale sandstone epitomizes the elegance
of Northwest Indian sculpture of the period. Features are idealized and
youthful, highlighted by the fleshy cheeks, small bow-shaped mouth,
and round protruding chin. The soft facial contours are juxtaposed
with strongly pronounced features, with well defined, elongated eyes
emphasized by undulating arched brows. Even the symmetrically
arranged tight curls of the hair are both precise and delicate, the overall
effect creating an image that is benevolently powerful.