G717.2 White stone (probably tufa) Makara water spout with mouth agape and two addorsed fishes


Sculpture

G717.2 White stone (probably tufa) Makara water spout with mouth agape and two addorsed fishes

Indonesia, Eastern Javanese period

Circa 14th century

H. 34 cm, 13 ¼ ins.

L. 36 cm, 14 ins.

A makara is a mythical aquatic beast consisting of a crocodile with an elephant’s trunk. It derives from Indian art and is commonly found at the sides of Javanese temples.

Reference: Water Spout with a Makara Head and a Head of a Monk | Indonesia (Java) | Eastern Javanese period | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)

Provenance: From the collection of the late Anthony Gardner (1950-1992), Director of Spink and Son Limited, London, and the late Roger Monks (1942-2017).