G747.4 A SANDSTONE RAJA (KING OR PRINCE)

CENTRAL INDIA, PROBABLY MADHYA PRADESH

CHANDELLA PERIOD

10^TH – 11^TH CENTURY

H. 46 CMS, 18 INS

NOTE: OLD REPAIRS TO NECK AND MIDRIFF

A powerfully sculpted beige sandstone Raja (king or prince), seated in vajrasana and clasping an offering (possibly modak or sweetmeats) between his raised hands, his face with a calm regal expression and adorned with extensive jewellery.

Modak is an Indian sweet dish popular in many Indian states and cultures. According to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, it is one of the favourite dishes of Ganesha and the Buddha and is therefore used in prayers.

Reference: For a related sculpture of Maheshamurti see no. 26, p. 37 in K. Desai, Jewels on the Crescent: Masterpieces of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai), Ahmedabad: Mapin Publishing, 2002.

Provenance: Private English collection.