Page 172 - Bonhams NYC Indian and Himalayan Art March 2019

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A POLYCHROMED WOOD FIGURE OF NRTYADEVI, GODDESS OF DANCE
NEPAL, MID 15TH/16TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61901
37 in. (94 cm) high
$20,000 - 30,000

尼泊爾 十五世紀中期/十六世紀 彩繪木質舞神像

Pigmented and heavily adorned, this carving of the goddess of dance (Nrtyadevi) is a
prime example of Newari woodcarving from the Late Malla period. At just under three feet
in height, the figure demonstrates the classic tribhanga pose, showing a body in motion,
while her curvaceous physique adds a sensuous quality to the Hindu goddess. With the
shifts in her body and her right foot in mid-step, the sense of movement here is palpable.
Admiring her pose, one can almost hear the musical accompaniment to such classical
dance movements. Nrtyadevi stands atop a lotus flower pedestal, supported by earth’s
great purity.

Carved in the round, highly adept Newar artists presented Nrtyadevi with ornate jewelry
in the form of anklets, bangles, necklaces, large disc earrings, and a stunning head piece
evocative of bridal wear. Her dress too is decorated with mesmerizing patterns and, as
is common in Newar painting, red dominates. Her intricate ornamentation asserts the
goddess’ high status, just as the delicate facial features on her slightly cocked head serve
as an invitation to engage. She offers darshan and awaits the viewer’s gaze.

Publishing another closely related nrtyadevi in the Patan Museum, Nepal, Slusser deduces
a mid-15th century date. Other similar nrtyadevis are held in the Metropolitan Museum of
Art (2016.21.1), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2000-7-4). Another was sold at Sotheby’s,
New York, 19 September 1996, lot 6.

Bonhams would like to thank Adam Swart for his assistance in the preparation of this lot.

Provenance
Private Florida Collection, acquired in New York, 1982

170 | BONHAMS