An monumental andesite seated figure of Ganesha Java, Classical period, 9th-10th century
Click here to see more images.
5379
A monumental andesite seated figure of Ganesha
Java, Classical period, 9th-10th century
Depicted seated upon a platform encircled by a gallery of skulls, his plump feet are pressed together in a yogic posture and four arms bear an axe, a rosary, a jar of sweets and his own broken tusk, crowned by a headdress of matted locks surmounted by a skull and abundantly adorned by anklets, foliate armlets, necklaces and a serpent swagged from shoulder to waist.
48in (122 cm) high
Sold for US$ 31,250 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Central Javanese civilization reached its apex between the 8th-10th century. This society was greatly influenced by the religion, art and culture of India, brought to the island by traders. However, their influence was integrated with regional artistic traditions forging a sophisticated sculptural idiom. The Hindu sects which arose in Java at this time were partial to the worship of the deity Shiva. Subsequently Ganesha, the son of Shiva, is depicted lovingly in statuary of this period, of which this image of Ganesha is a superb and monumental example.


    Provenance:
    Acquired in Hong Kong
    Doris Wiener Gallery, New York, 1991

    Exhibited:
    International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Fair, New York, 1995

Lot heading

Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art

Property from Various Owners

Category: Asian Art

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Angela Lee Bonhams
Work
220 San Bruno Avenue
San Francisco, 94103
United States
Work +1 415 503 3358
FaxFax: +1 415 503 3300
Auction Administration - Asian Art