
Jing Wen
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A BLACKSTONE STELE OF SURYA
BANGLADESH, PALA-SENA PERIOD, 11TH/12TH CENTURY
孟加拉國 帕拉-塞納時期 十一/十二世紀 黑石太陽神石碑
Provenance:
Acquired from a former Belgian ambassador to Bangladesh, by repute
With Claude de Marteau, Brussels, by 1970s
Flanking Surya's beaming countenance are two fully blossoming lotus flowers nourished by the sun-god's light and warmth. The team of seven horses that propel his aerial chariot are depicted below, while directly in front of his feet stands one of Surya's wives, representing Dawn. Either side of his shins are celestial archers defending the start and end of each day from darkness. His chief clerk and measurer and two more wives also join him. For stylistic comparisons, see Lefèvre & Boussac, Chefs-d'œuvre du delta du Gange, 2007, pp. 238-44, nos. 89-92, and Kramrisch, Indian Sculpture, 1960, pl. 24.