152-153 / 176
152
153
78
RAMA, LAXMAN AND SITA
GUJARAT, CIRCA 1800
Bronze with silver inlay
a) Sita
19 in (48.8 cm) high
b) Rama
22 in (56.3 cm) high
c) Laxman
19.75 in (50.3 cm) high
Rs 5,00,000 - 7,00,000
$ 7,465 - 10,450
NON‒EXPORTABLE
REGISTERED ANTIQUITY
The present lot depicts Rama,
Laxman and Sita. Rama being the
principal figure, is larger than Sita
and Laxman. He bears a Vaishnavite
marking on his forehead, inlaid in
silver and copper, and stands on a
lotus base. Both Rama and Laxman
stand in a pose indicative of holding
their bows and arrows. Though their
ornamentation is restrained, the
detailing of their clothes, hair and
jewellery is exquisite.
a b c(Set of three)
PROVENANCE
Property of a Distinguished Gentleman, Mumbai
Lionshavebeencelebratedthroughhistory for their strength
and grandeur, and are often associated with nobility for
their regal bearing. They have caught the imagination of
many cultures and have been seen in various incarnations
since antiquity. In ancient Assyria and Persia, the lion was
given special status and considered a royal animal. Closer
to home, they are encountered on seals from the Indus
Valley civilization and atop the Ashoka pillar. The present
lot, carved from the black granite native to Karnataka, is a
rendering that is in the same tradition as the mythical lions
of yore. The lion is also the
vahana
of Durga and may often
be seen guarding the doorways to her temples.
77
MYTHICAL LION
KARNATAKA, 15
TH
‒ 16
TH
CENTURY
Granite
15.25 in (39 cm) high
Rs 8,00,000 ‒ 10,00,000
$ 11,945 - 14,930
NON‒EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY
PROVENANCE
The Rumi Mistry Collection, Mumbai