Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture represents two lovers in an energetic position which was made during the  More »

Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture represents two lovers in an energetic position which was made during the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of ancient India, and is based upon the contents of the Kama Sutra (see below). The position – man semi-seated with the woman straddling him with her legs either side of his thighs – is a variant of a position named piditankam aliganam, although the woman is facing the man rather than facing away. The detailing of hair, faces and jewellery on arms, ears and in the coiffures is exceptional. heir full bodies and detailed features are characteristic of architectural sculpture produced in thirteenth century Orissa, an Indian region noted for its temples, particularly those built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Couples such as the pair represented are believed to have several meanings, ranging from an obvious celebration of life's pleasures to the more metaphorical symbolism of a human soul's longing for union with the divine. The Kama Sutra is commonly and mistakenly believed to be a lovers guide at best, pornography at worst. In fact, this epic work, written by Vatsyayana Mallanaga in the third century AD, is a very important work of scholarship that incorporates anthropology, sociology, psychology and philosophy as much as sexology. It is based upon standard philosophical principles. Many Indian philosophies are divided into the four main goals of life, to include Dharma (virtuous living), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (sensual pleasure) and Moksha (liberation). This holistic attitude towards life has stymied those who attempt to dismiss the Kama Sutra as indulgent pornography, although it is true that it is the somewhat graphic sexual images that have seen the greatest exposure and public popularity. The Kama Sutra is divided into 1250 verses over 36 chapters. As stated above, many of these are comparatively mundane, featuring sections on personal motivation, manners, demeanour, business comportment, the importance of learning foreign languages and so forth. Further chapters include marriage and selection of a partner, civilities, appropriate social behaviour when with one’s spouse, and, eventually, sexual behaviour, fully illustrated to underline the practical issues and cosmological significances. Sex as part of the physicality that is a necessary part of life is underlined throughout, using parables from healthy and unhealthy social and sensual relationships to demonstrate the points made. Ancient Indian artists often carved and painted the 64 sexual positions shown in the Kama Sutra, as these were considered to be perfectly valid as subjects, both aesthetically and philosophically. They were often arranged around the courtyards of temples and other public spaces in a frieze, and this is the likely source of the current piece. The Gupta period is noted for the fine quality of its carving, as can be clearly seen here. Much of the relief works found on the outer walls of the Orissa temples has erotic sculptures. many are of opinion that such erotic sculptures are of indicative of the emergence of a phase the "tantrikism in Hinduism" at that time. The Maithuna ritual is depicted in the carvings of the temple. It is the most important of the five makara and constitutes the main part of the Grand Ritual of Tantra. This is an impressive piece of ancient Indian art. - (AM.0012)   « Less

Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture represents two lovers in the early stages of their lovemaking and was made  More »

Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture represents two lovers in the early stages of their lovemaking and was made during the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of ancient India, and is based upon the Kama Sutra (see below). The position – both standing and embracing, the woman foldling the man’s membrum virile – is known as the Chest to Chest Embrace. The proportions are elongated and well-rendered. The facial expressions indicate gleeful anticipation and teasing. The detailing of hair, faces and jewellery on arms, ears and in the coiffures is exceptional.Their full bodies and detailed features are characteristic of architectural sculpture produced in thirteenth century Orissa, an Indian region noted for its temples, particularly those built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Couples such as the pair represented are believed to have several meanings, ranging from an obvious celebration of life's pleasures to the more metaphorical symbolism of a human soul's longing for union with the divine.The Kama Sutra is commonly and mistakenly believed to be a lovers guide at best, pornography at worst. In fact, this epic work, written by Vatsyayana Mallanaga in the third century AD, is a very important work of scholarship that incorporates anthropology, sociology, psychology and philosophy as much as sexology. It is based upon standard philosophical principles. Many Indian philosophies are divided into the four main goals of life, to include Dharma (virtuous living), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (sensual pleasure) and Moksha (liberation). This holistic attitude towards life has stymied those who attempt to dismiss the Kama Sutra as indulgent pornography, although it is true that it is the somewhat graphic sexual images that have seen the greatest exposure and public popularity. The Kama Sutra is divided into 1250 verses over 36 chapters. As stated above, many of these are comparatively mundane, featuring sections on personal motivation, manners, demeanour, business comportment, the importance of learning foreign languages and so forth. Further chapters include marriage and selection of a partner, civilities, appropriate social behaviour when with one’s spouse, and, eventually, sexual behaviour, fully illustrated to underline the practical issues and cosmological significances. Sex as part of the physicality that is a necessary part of life is underlined throughout, using parables from healthy and unhealthy social and sensual relationships to demonstrate the points made. Ancient Indian artists often carved and painted the 64 sexual positions shown in the Kama Sutra, as these were considered to be perfectly valid as subjects, both aesthetically and philosophically. They were often arranged around the courtyards of temples and other public spaces in a frieze, and this is the likely source of the current piece. The Gupta period is noted for the fine quality of its carving, as can be clearly seen here. Much of the relief works found on the outer walls of the Orissa temples has erotic sculptures. many are of opinion that such erotic sculptures are of indicative of the emergence of a phase the "tantrikism in Hinduism" at that time. The Maithuna ritual is depicted in the carvings of the temple. It is the most important of the five makara and constitutes the main part of the Grand Ritual of Tantra. This is an impressive piece of ancient Indian art. - (AM.0013)   « Less

Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture depicts two lovers in an energetic position which was made in ancient India,  More »

Once part of the decoration of the temple facade, this beautifully rendered sandstone sculpture depicts two lovers in an energetic position which was made in ancient India, during the Eastern Ganga period and is based upon the contents of the Kama Sutra (see below). The position – the man leaning back and pulling the woman onto him, their right legs wrapped around the others’ left legs – is known as Suspended Congress. The detailing of hair, faces and jewellery on arms, ears and in the coiffures is exceptional.Their full bodies and detailed features are characteristic of architectural sculpture produced in thirteenth century Orissa, an Indian region noted for its temples, particularly those built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Couples such as the pair represented are believed to have several meanings, ranging from an obvious celebration of life's pleasures to the more metaphorical symbolism of a human soul's longing for union with the divine. The Kama Sutra is commonly and mistakenly believed to be a lovers guide at best, pornography at worst. In fact, this epic work, written by Vatsyayana Mallanaga in the third century AD, is a very important work of scholarship that incorporates anthropology, sociology, psychology and philosophy as much as sexology. It is based upon standard philosophical principles. Many Indian philosophies are divided into the four main goals of life, to include Dharma (virtuous living), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (sensual pleasure) and Moksha (liberation). This holistic attitude towards life has stymied those who attempt to dismiss the Kama Sutra as indulgent pornography, although it is true that it is the somewhat graphic images that have seen the greatest exposure and public popularity. The Kama Sutra is divided into 1250 verses over 36 chapters. As stated above, many of these are comparatively mundane, featuring sections on personal motivation, manners, demeanour, business comportment, the importance of learning foreign languages and so forth. Further chapters include marriage and selection of a partner, civilities, appropriate social behaviour when with one’s spouse, and, eventually, sexual behaviour, fully illustrated to underline the practical issues and cosmological significances. Sex as part of the physicality that is a necessary part of life is underlined throughout, using parables from healthy and unhealthy social and sensual relationships to demonstrate the points made. Ancient Indian artists often carved and painted the 64 sexual positions shown in the Kama Sutra, as these were considered to be perfectly valid as subjects, both aesthetically and philosophically. They were often arranged around the courtyards of temples and other public spaces in a frieze, and this is the likely source of the current piece. Much of the relief works found on the outer walls of the Orissa temples has erotic sculptures. many are of opinion that such erotic sculptures are of indicative of the emergence of a phase the "tantrikism in Hinduism" at that time. The Maithuna ritual is depicted in the carvings of the temple. It is the most important of the five makara and constitutes the main part of the Grand Ritual of Tantra. This is an impressive piece of ancient Indian art. - (AM.0014)   « Less

Origin: India Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 5.7" (14.5cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone

Origin: India Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 5.7" (14.5cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone   « Less

Origin: India Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 3.5 " (8.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone

Origin: India Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 3.5 " (8.9cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Stone   « Less

Shiva is one of the principle deities of Hinduism. He is viewed as the supreme deity.In images, he is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the  More »

Shiva is one of the principle deities of Hinduism. He is viewed as the supreme deity.In images, he is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon the demon of ignorance in his manifestation as Natarja, the lord of the dance.Some of the attributes of Shiva are visible on this sculpture. He is garlanded with a snake, and he carries the trident, which is his particular weapon. In one hand, he holds a small drum shaped like an hourglass. This is one of the attributes of Shiva in his famous dancing representation. He also bears on his head the crescent of the moon, a symbol often seen on Shiva imagery. The deity’s distinctive hairstyle is noted in the epithets Jatin, and Kapardin. A Kaparsa is more generally hair that is shaggy or curly. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye with which he burned Desire (Kama) to ashes.Although the disposition of the eight arms and attributes is complex and evokes action, the torso and face of the figure is marked by simplicity and calm.The headed figure of Shiva, his legs raised high and arms thrust in the air, captures the inventive and playful nature of Indian sculpture. - (LK.030)   « Less

This striking figure appears to be a representation of Rama, despite the rather feminine body-shape. The piece is made using the traditional lost-wax method, on an ornate  More »

This striking figure appears to be a representation of Rama, despite the rather feminine body-shape. The piece is made using the traditional lost-wax method, on an ornate pedestal base that indicates a southern Indian origin. The figure is standing in a relaxed pose, with one knee flexed as he leans on a long club. The other holds either a truncated bow or a sword. The cloth with which he is clad is richly detailed, as is the jewellery surrounding neck and wrists. Condition and patination are excellent.Rama is a heroic god-king of Hindu mythology, and is also the avatar of Vishnu. He is accredited with a number of noble deeds involving the value of honour and true mettle under oppression. He was married to Sita, who is generally considered to be the embodiment of perfect womanhood. Following a voluntary exile – in defence of his fathers honour – she was kidnapped by the malevolent Rakhsa monarch, Ravana, resulting in an enormous war where the miscreant was slain by Rama and Sita rescued. His triumphant return to his place of coronation led to an 11,000-year era of prosperity and peace known as the Rama Raiya.This is an elegant piece of Indian bronze-casting.- (OF.016)   « Less

Krishna is a Hindu deity often regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu. According to ancient epics such as the Mahabharata, he was born of royal parents, the princess Devaki  More »

Krishna is a Hindu deity often regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu. According to ancient epics such as the Mahabharata, he was born of royal parents, the princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Devaki’s brother had previously seized the throne unlawfully and deposed their father. A prophecy warned them that one of Devaki’s children would seek revenge for this unlawful act so he tried to obliterate them. Krishna escaped and was brought up by foster parents, Yasoda and Nanda in Gokul. Nanda was the head of a community of cow herders hence Krishna’s association with cows, butter and milkmaids. He became known as ‘Govinda’ (finder of cows) or ‘Gopala’ (protector of cows) and is often depicted leaning against a standing cow.In this lively piece, Krishna holds a round butter ball in both of his hands. As a child, he was notorious for stealing butter from his neighbours. Despite his mother’s protests, he frequently escaped punishment. The left arm is extended to balance his body in a dancing movement suggestive of his mischievous joy. The right leg is raised and rests on what looks like a lotus bud. The weight rests firmly on the left leg, which is bent at the knee. The body is delightfully rotund with rounded belly, breasts and buttocks. As was customary, Krishna is depicted naked except for the jewelled ornaments, which are elegantly draped over the body. Particularly splendid is the high crown or mutuka. Although the dance of the butter thief (navanita-nritta-murti) is not an uncommon subject, it is certainly rarer than depictions of Krishna playing the flute. - (OF.022)   « Less

Origin: India Circa: 320 AD to 550 AD Dimensions: 3.6" (9.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Gupta Period Medium: Ivory

Origin: India Circa: 320 AD to 550 AD Dimensions: 3.6" (9.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Style: Gupta Period Medium: Ivory   « Less

Origin: India Circa: 1700 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 2.25" (5.7cm) high x 1.65" (4.2cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Bronze

Origin: India Circa: 1700 AD to 1900 AD Dimensions: 2.25" (5.7cm) high x 1.65" (4.2cm) wide Collection: Asian Art Medium: Bronze   « Less